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WtCHUBFUniES 






THE 



WORKS 



OF THE 



MET, JOHN WTESILEX 



•. 



«r 



VO^lUME VI, 






I 



CONTAINING, 



T^ TWENTY AND TWENTT-FIRST NUMBIRS OF HIS JTOURNALS : PARTI- 
, CULARS OP HIS DEATH, REVIEW OF HIS CHABACTER, &c. 



PRlNTlfD At* THE CONFERENCB-OFFICE^IA, CITY-ROAD ; 
BY^TBOBidS CORDEVX, AGENT: 

SOED BT SI0HA8 BLANSHARD, CITT'^ROAIX; AND AT THE METHODIST 
PREACHni6-A0VSE» IN TOWN AN3I C^TJNTRT. 



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1 



CONTENTS OF VOLUME VI. 



MR. WESLEY S JOURNAL, 

Number XX. continued from September 4^ 1782, 
to June 28, 1786. 

PAGE* 

Jfoumey from Leeds through Wales and Bristol to 

London^ ....... 1 

Visits Plymouth^ and returns by Bristol to Dublin, 14 

Tour through Ireland, . . . . ' • 30 

Death of Mr. Vincent Perronet, . . . d4 

Returns to London, . . • • . 37 

Journey to Cornwall, . . ... 98 

Returns by Bristol to London, ... 41 

Journey to the North of Scotland, . . . 49 

Number XXI. From June 29, 1766, to October 
24, 1790^ 

Returns from his Northern Tour to Bristol, . . 63 
Visits Holland, . . . . . -^ 67 

Returns to London, . . . . . .78 

J^isits Plymouth, and returns to Bristol, . .85 

7<mrney to Dublin, 88 

Tour through Ireland, . . . • . 94 

Narrowly escapes Shipwreck on his return to England, 1 17 
Journey from Manchester to Southampton, . 119 

Visits the NormaH Isles, . . . . . 121 
Lands in Cornwall, and returns by Bristol to London, 129 
Remarkable Recovery of Mr. Kingsford, Canterbury, 134 
Enters upon his Northern Journey, . . . 142 
Visits Glasgow and Edinburgh, , . . 155 

Returns thro* Yorkshire, 8fe. to the London Conference, 168 
Tour thrpugh South Wales, .... 170 



IV 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 
172 

185 

189 
S04 
207 
208 
212 
216 
224 



Returns bi/ Bristol to London, .... 

idlf^ Journey to DublWy . • . . • 

Tour through Ireland, . • . . • 

Returns to the Dublin Conference, 
Meets the English Conference at Leeds, 
Journey by London to Cornwall, 

. Returns to Bristol, 

Tour through Salisbury to London, 
Enters upon his Journey to the North, 
Visits Aberdeen, and returns by Glasgow into England, 229 
Letters to a Bishop on the Abuse of the Act of Tolera- 
tion in Lincolnshire, 235 

Returns to Bristol, 240 

Tour by Portsmouth to London, • . . 244 

Particulars of the Death of Mr. Wesley, . . 249 
A Copy of his last Will and Testament, . • 258 

Inscription on his Tomb, 262 

A short Review of his Character, . . . 264 

A plain Account of the People called Methodists, 280 

The general Rules of the Methodist Societies, . 384 

ft Minutes of Conference, . • . • • 388 

A short History of Methodism, ... 4P| 

Advicg to the People called Methodists, . . 407 



AN 

EXTRACT 

OP TH^ 

RE¥. JOHN WESJLEY'S 

JOURNAL 

• No. XX. 
(Continued from Vol. V.) 

FROM SEPTEMBER 4, 1782, TO JUNE 28, 1786. 



TUESDAY, August 3, 1784, Our Conference being 
concluded, I left Leeds this evening, and, lodging at 
Halifax, went on the next day to Manchester. Thursday 5, 
we set out earlyj but being obliged to go round about, could 
not reach Shrewsbury till half past seven. I began preach^ 
ing immediately, in memory of good John Appleton, lately 
called away, on Whatsoever thy hand jindeth to do^ do it 
with thy mighty for there is no worky nor device^ nor know* 
ledgCy nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest. Fri- 
day 6, I preached at Birmingham, and on Saturday 7, at 
Worcester. 

Sunday 8, I preached in the afternoon in St. Andrew's 
church, and was agreeably surprised to observe the congre- 
gation deeply attentive, while I applied the story of Dives 
and Lazarus. Monday 9, 1 rode over Malvem-hills, which 
afford one of the finest prospects in the kingdom, to Led- 
bury; then through misenAile roads to Ross. I preached 
in the evenui^ at Momnoutb^ to a very quiet and ciril coq- 

VOL. VL B 



2 REV. JOHN Wesley's journal* [aug. 1784?.' 

gregation. Tumults were now at an end, as I lodged at the 
house of a gentleman, whom none cared to oppose. And 
even in the morning we had a large congregation, both of 
rich and poor. 

Tuesday 10, I took a walk to what is called the Bowling- 
green-house, not a mile from the town. I have hardly seen 
such a place before. A gravel walk leads through the most 
beautiful meadows, surrounded on all sides by fruitful hills, 
to a gently-rising ground, on the top of which is a smooth 
green, on which the gentry of the town frequently spend 
the evening in dancing. From hence spread various walks 
bordered with flowers, one of which leads down to the river ; 
on the back of which runs another walk, whose artless shades 
are not penetrated by the sun. These are full as beautiful, in 
their kind, as even the hanging-woods at Brecknock. Wed- 
nesday 11, it was with some difficulty that I broke from this 
afiectionate people, and went on through a most lovely 
country to Brecon. 

Thursday 12, I found the little flock were in great peace, 
and increasing in number as well as in strength. I preached 
in the town-hall. I never saw such a congregation in Breck- 
nock before; no, not even when I preached abroad. And I 
scarcely ever found the power of God so present : it seemed 
as if every one must know the Lord, from the least to the 
greatest. 

Friday 13, We went on to Gaermarthen. After preach- 
ing, I advised all the audience to copy after the decent be- 
haviour of the Hollanders, in and after public worship. 
They all took my advice.: none opened their lips till they 
came into the open air. 

Saturday 14, Was the hottest day we have had this sum- 
mer. We reached Tenby soon after one. After dinner we 
took a walk through the town. I think there is not such a 
^own in England. It is the Killmallock of Great-Britain. 
Jwo thirds of the ancient town are either in ruins, or va- 
nished away. In the evening I preached in the street, to a 
large congregation of rich and poor, all quiet imd attentive. 
I cannot but think, salvation is at length come to tbis town 



AUG. 1784.] R£y. JOHN weslet's joubnal. S 

also. I preached again in the morning, Sunday 15, and the 
"word seemed to sink into the hearts of the hearers. Thence 
we went by Pembroke to St. Daniel's. It was a comfortable 
season. We had such another at Pembroke in the evening. 
Many mourned after God, and many rejoiced with joy un- 
speakable. 

Monday 16, 1 preached at Haverford-West. Tuesday 17, 
we rode over to Roach, ieight miles from Haverford. The 
new preaching-house was pretty well filled : and I was glad 
to find that a little ride did me no harm. Wednesday 18, I 
went to Admiral Vaughan's at Tracoon, one of the plea* 
santest seats in Great-Britain. The house is embosomed in 
lofty woods, and does not appear till you drop down upon 
it. The admiral governs his family, as he did in his ship, 
with the utmost punctuality : the bell rings, and all attend 
without delay, whether at meals, or at morning and even- 
ing prayer. I preached at seven, on Phil. iii. 8, and spent 
the evening in serious conversation. 

Thursday 19, I went on to Mr. Bowen's at Llynguair, 
another most agreeable place ; the more so because of the 
company, Mr. and Mrs. Bowen, his brother, and six of 
their eleven children, two of whom are lately come from the 
University. Friday 20,. about eight I preached in the 
church at Newport, and spoke strong words, if happily sonie 
might awake out of sleep. Thence we went to Haverford- 
West, it being the day when the bishop held his visitation. 
As I was returning in the afternoon from visiting some of 
the poor people, a carriage in the street obliged me to walk 
very near a clerj^yman, who made me a low bow : I did 
the same to him ; though I did not then know the bishop, 
who has, indeed, won the hearts of the people in general, 
by his courteous and obliging behaviour. 

Sunday 32, I heard a good sermon in the church at 
Caermarthen, being the Assize sermon, on There is no 
power but of God. In the evening I preached in the mar* 
ket-place, to, I think, the largest congregation I ever saw 
in Wales. Thursday 26, on the road I read over Voltaire's 
f* Memoirs of himself." Certainly, never was a more con* 

B8 



0m i ABV. JOHK W£SI/BY^8 JOUANAt« [f »T. 1784. 

.'.summate Coxcomb: but even bis character is less lionid 
than that of his rojal hero. Surelj^ so unnatural a brute 
never disgraced a throne before ! 

CMKi^y jRomanii Credited Oraiil A moniter, that made 
it a fixed rule, to let no woman and no priest enter his 
palace; that not only gloried in the constant practice of 
sodomy himself, but made it free for all his subjects. What 
ii pity that his father had not beheaded him in his youth, 
ted saved him from all this sin and shame. 

In the evening I preached in the town-hall at Cardiff, and 
shewed the Scriptural meaning of that much mistaken word, 
A Christian. Friday 27, 1 preached at Newport. I hardly 
know such another place. The people hear and hear ; and 
are as much moved as the benches they sit upon. I spoke 
US strongly as I possibly could, on Awake, thou that sleeps 
est ! and I judged, from the number who attended at Ave 
in the morning, that it tras not all lost labour. 

Saturday 28, Being informed the boat would pass at 
^ight, we hastened to the New Passage : but we were time 
enough ; for it did not set out till past six in the evening : 
however, we got into the boat about seven, and before nine 
reached Bristol. Tuesday 31, Dr. Coke, Mr. Whalcoat, 
and Mr. Vasey came down from London, in order to em- 
bark for America. 

Wednesday, September 1, Being now clear in my own 
mind, I took a step which I had long weighed in my mind, 
and appointed Mr. Whatcoat and Mr. Vasey to go and 
serve the desolate sheep in America. Friday 3, I preached 
at Guinea^street, and the word of God was with power, in 
consequence of which there was a large congregation at 
five in the morning, although they had not been accustomed 
before to any service at that hour. Saturday 4, in the even- 
ing I preached at Bath. Sunday 5, I read prayers, preach- 
ed, and administered the sacrament to a large congregation : 
but it was larger in the afternoon^ and largest of all in the 
evening, when I opened and aj^lied, Thou shalt love thj/ 
neighbour as thyself: and many were laid in the balance^ 



$mn. 1764.] luiv. johk itxslit's joitjival. 6 

aad found wanting, eyen of those who had often appealed 
to this very rule. 

Wednesday 8, I preached at Kendalshire, where I dm 
not remember to have been ^r searly forty yean. On the 
two following days, I preached at Chdton andColeford. 
After preaching to an earnest congr^ation at Coleford, [ 
met the society. They contained themselves pretty wcU|' 
during the exhortation, but when i began to pray, the 
flame broke out. Many cried aloud s many sunk to the 
ground : many trradbled CKoeedii^y s but all seemed to be 
quite athirst for God, aad penetrated by <lid presence of his . 
power. 

Sunday 19, Dr. Coke read prayers, and I pieaobed ia 
the new room. Afterward I hastened to KiBgswood, 9fA 
preached under the shade of that double row of trees, whioh 
I planted about forty years ago. How little did a^y one then 
tiiifik that they would answer such an intention. The sun 
riione as hot as it used to do even in Georgia : but his nym 
could not pierce our canopy: and our Lord mean tiaie 
shone upon many souls, and refrei&ed them th^t were 
weary. 

Monday 13, I visited one that was confined to her bed, 
and in much pain, 'yet unspeakedbly happy, rejoicing ever« 
more, praying without ceasing, and m every thing giving 
thanks : yea, and testifying that she had enjoyed the same, 
happiness, without any intemiission, for two and twentj 
years. 

Tuesday 14, I j^mched at Bath and Bradford : Wad- 
nesday 15, at Trowbridge and Frome. Thnradby 16, 1 went 
to Ditcheat, a village near Casfle-C^iy, where I found a 
firiendHy, hospitable fomiiy : I preached in the ev^ninffp a 
numerous and earnest congregation. Friday 17, the house 
would not contain half the people. Hence we passed 
through a delightful country to the Numery, a mere ^cm 
gaat trifle, near King Alfred's tower, a lofty, triai^ular 
Jbnilding^ standing in the highest part of the country, on the 
^rery spot, as is supposed, where he xlrew up his amy 
Jigauift tib Blum. AJwntt^venl pnachodaitCastle^Iary, 



6 KEY. JOHN Wesley's JouRNAXi. [oct. 1784:« 

to a quiet and attentive multitude. In the evening I preach-* 
ed at Shepton-Mallet, where the people at length know the 
day of their visitation. Saturday 18, I preached in the neat, 
cheerful church at Midsummer-Norton. 

Monday 20, Tuesday and Wednesday I met the classes, 
but found no increase in the society. No wonder, for disci- 
pline had been quite neglected ; and without this, little good 
' can be.done among the Methodists. Thursday 33, 1 preach- 
ed at Paulton about one, and at Pensford in the evening. 
£rhe gentlemen at Chew-Magna having sent me word, '' I 
was welcome to preach in the church," I went thither the 
next morning : but they now sent me word " they had 
.changed their minds : " so I preached in our own preach- 
ing-house, on If we let him alone^ all men will believe on 
Jhim. 

; Thursday 30, I had a long conversation with John 
.M*Geary, one of our American preachers, just come to 
England. He gave a pleasing account of the work of God 
there, continually increasing, and vehemently importuned 
me to pay one more visit to America before I die. Nay, I 
shall pay no more visits to new worlds, till I go to the world 
of spirits. 

Saturday, October 2, It pleased God once more to pour 
out his Spirit on the family at Kingswood. Many of the 
children were much affected: I talked particularly with 
gome who desired to partake of the Lord's-Supper. They 
did so the next morning. Afterwards I spent a little time 
with, all the children ; and easily observed an uncommon 
awe resting^ upon them all. In the evening we renewed our 
covenant! with Got^ in the new room at Bristol. It was 
fiupposed, we had a thousand communicants, and, I believe, 
none went empty away. 

: . Monday 4, I set out for London. About eleven I preach- 
ed at the Devizes, and in the evening at Sarum. A grievous 
fitui^bling-block wa& lately thrown in the way of this people. 
A young gentlewoman, after being deeply convinced of sin, 
found .peace with God in a glorious manner. She was un- 
«peak£d[)ly. Jiappy: but ^ not long after, suddenly fell into 



OCT. 1784.] RET. JOHN WESLEY'g JOURNAt.. 7 

black despair, and afterwai-ds into melancholy madness, 
■wherein she continued about two years. Here was an occa- 
sion of offence, for them that sought occasion, which they 
took care to improve. 

Wednesday 6, About eleven I preached at Winchester, 
and in the evening at Portsmouth-Common. Those who 
could not get in, at first made a little noise, but in a short 
time all was quiet. Thursday 7, I crossed over to the Isle 
of Wight. In the afternoon I preached at Newtown, once 
the largest tbwn in the isle ; but now not having six houses 
together. In the evening all the ministers, and most of the 
gentry at Newport attended the preaching. Who hatb 
warned them to flee from the wrath to come? O may many 
bring forth fruit with patience! Friday 8, we returned to 
Portsmouth-Common, and Saturday 9, to London. 

Monday 18, I set out for Oxfordshire, and in the evening' 
preached at Wallingford. Tuesday 19, I spent an hour at 
Lord Harcourt's seat, near Nuneham, one of the pleasant* 
est spots I have seen. It stands on a gently-rising hill, and 
commands a most delightful prospect. The rooms are not so 
grand as some, but elegant in the highest degree. So is also 
the front of the house, and what is called the flower garden, 
a small enclosure, surrounded by lofty trees, and filled with 
all the beauties that nature and art can give. 

The house at Oxford was thoroughly filled, and students 
as well as townsmen were deeply serious. Thursday 31, I 
preached at Witney, on As thou hast believedj so be it done 
unto thee. We had a large 'congregation at five in the 
morning : at twelve I met the children, and was pleased to 
find that the impression which was made on them by the 
storm last year, is not yet worn out : •tfid the whole society^ 
still douj)le to what it was, appears to be much in eanlbst. 

After preaching in the evening, I met the select society, 
and found many of them who for several years have lost 
nothing of what they had received, but do still love God 
with all their hearty and in consequence, rejoice evermore^ 
prat/ mthout ceasing, and in every thing give thanks. 

Friday 22, I preached at High Wycombe about Roon^. 



??. 



S AJ3V. JOHN WSSLSt's jTOVANAL. [nOY. 1764« 

and in the aiftemoon went oA to London. Sunday 24^ I 
preached at Sfaadwell ohnrcfa, vrhkii li^as exceedingly 
crowded with rich and poor, who all seemed to receire the 
truth in love. In the evening I took coach, and the next 
CTening preached at Norwich : afterwards I advised the 
people to go away ia silence; and they did so; neiAcr 
man nor woman spoke tifl tiiey wer6 rat of the bouse. The 
following days J visited the dther societies in the CSirouit| 
and on Monday, Noviember 1, returned to London. 

Friday 5, We had a solemn watch-aigfat. Saturday 6, 
I was an hour or two in conversation with thht truly great 
man, Pascal Paoli ; who is a tall, well-made, graceful iMii^ 
about sixty years of age; but he does not look to be above 
forty. He appears to have a real regard for the public 
good, and much of the foar of God. He has a strong i>&« 
derstanding, and seemed to be acquainted with f^very liranch 
of polite literature. On my saying, " He had met with 
much the same treatment tvith iliat of an ancient lover of 
his coiiiilry, Hanaibsd:" he immediately answeted, '' B^ 
I have never yet met with a King of BitJiytita*" 

Mohdky S, This wcfek I visited the societies near Loih 
don, a very heavy but necessary work.. Thiirtday 18, I 
visited two^rsons in NeWgate, who ware under sentence of 
death : they seemed to be in an excellent temper, cahnly 
xesigned to the will of 6rod. But bow much stress can be 
reasonably laid on such impres^ons, it is hard to say. So 
c^en haVe I known them vanish away, as 90on as ever the 
expectation of death was removed. 

Saturday SO, At three iin the morning two or three men 
broke into our house, through \he kitchen-window. Thenoe 
they came up into A4f>arlour, and broke open Mr. Moore's 
bureaii,. where the}*' found two or three pounds : ^henigiht 
before I had prevented his leaving there seventy pounds, 
which he had just received. They next broke open the 
cupboard, and took away some silver spoons. Jiidt at this 
time the alarum, which Mr. Moore, by mistake, had set for 
hdf past thteo, instead of four, went o^ as it 't^suaUy did, 
with a Plundering noise. At -this the thieves ran away with 

5 



I 

jraVk 1784.] BCT. JOHN wbsXiBy's jro0AifAij. 9 

all qieed, though thdr vnkk was not half done r tad tlie 
whole damage wWch we sustained, scarcely amouted to 
six pounds. 

jjfonday SS^ I preached at Northamptoa, and oa Tues* 
dity 33, at Whittldbwry. Here my seryant was seised with 
fi feirer^ attended with emptions all over, as big as pepper* 
peras. I took knowledge of tlie prickky beat, as we calkd 
it in Georgia, termed by Dr. Heburden, the nettle ivsh, 
and assured him be would be well in fouff«Bd4weiity iMNm : 
he i^Hs S0^ a>id-dro¥e us on to Banbury, where, on Wednes- 
d(^ S4, I met witli a hearty welcome from Mr. Qcoige^ 
fonaerly « member of the London Society. The Presbytenan 
minister ofiering tne tlie use «of his meeting, t wiUii^y ao* 
eepted his ofier* It was, i bdiere, capable of oodtaniing 
nearly as many people as the tchapel at WeeA^'Stpeet? but it 
would sot nearly contain the congregtftioo. And God ut« 
teced his voice, yea, and tbnt m viigMy imoe.: neither tim 
sorrow, nor the joy, vfiAdk was felt Ikat niglit, wiH quickly 
be ifoTgotten» 

Thursday S5, i desired the peofkt would sit below in the 
Bsoraing, supposing not inany wosrld 4be pnaent. ' Bitft f 
was oiucii mistaken ; ne(rwi(hstand^g (he darkness and win^ 
the house was filled both above and below ; and nevetdid I 
see a peicq^e who appeafcd more ready prepared ffft the 
IiOfd. Retoraing tkrougk Biaddey, i wtts iitifi^mied, ttal 
notice knd fae»a given of ny preadnng ift^w al nine in tte 
town^ialL So i began wfdioat delay s the congtegalion waa 
laige and attentive, 'bnt semned to nandeistand tn^ no skm 
than if I had been taHdng Greek. But the society aeemfd 
alive to God, and alfiving to enter in ^nl Ae stnUt gate. In 
Ike eveniug 1 pieacted nt poor, dmlt^tcmfWiUsr* %t is 
not God able to raise ibe >dead f Tkeve wan n pOttsidrntUo 
dfiJcing among the diy bones. ApA w1k> lantyM but these 
dry bones ma^ live. 

Fiiday S6, 1 returned to London^ Sunday 'SS, I prcaM^hed 
a 'ckaaiir^senigon at St. Pint's, CoTenl>Crnrden. it k 1W 
Imge&H and te best oonstAKted paftfhchnvohlhsA i Jiavo 
preached in for several years: yet i^me hundreds wet% 



' 10 SETJ JOHN Wesley's journal, [dec. 1784^ 

obliged to go away, not being able to get in. I strongly en- 
forced the necessity of that humble, gentle, patient love, 
which is the very essence of true religion. 

Monday 39, In the evening I preached at Hinxworth, in 
Miss Harvey^s new house. Tuesday 30, I visited my old 
friends at Bedford, but found Mr. Hill was gone to rest, 
and Mr. Parker was just quivering on the verge of life : 
however, I rejoiced to find him clearly possessed of that 
.perfect love^ which he had so long opposed. 

Wednesday, December 1, I preached at St. Neot's, to 
the largest congregation I ever saw there. And I know not 
that ever I saw them so afiected. It seemed as if God 
touched all their hearts. Thursday 2, I preached about 
noon at Bugden; and in the evening, to a crowded congre- 
gation at Binlington. I wondered that I saw nothing here 
of a young clergyman, who last year professed much love 
and esteem. But I soon heard, his eyes were opened to see 
the decrees* So he kaows me no more ! 

Friday 3, Partly riding, and partly walking through wind 
and ra^n, and water and dirt, we got at last to Luton, 
where I found a large congregation, and we greatly re- 
joiced in God our Saviour. Saturday 4, I went on to 
London.. 

' Monday 6, I went to Tunbridge- Wells, but not without 
difficulty; part of the road being made scarcely passable, 
. thro' the abundance of rain. I preached in the large Presby- 
terian meeting-house, but the violent rain thinned tlie con- 
gregation : yet, on Tuesday 7, we set out in a lovely morn- 
ing;, but, in about an hour, just as a pack of hounds came 
on in full cry, a fuiious storm of hail met them in the teeth, 
andvjgttterly jsUenceo^hem. It soon turned snow, which so 
covered tbe road, that we could scarcely get <hi, though we 
walked good part of the way : so that we could not get to 
Robertsbridge till after the time appointed. -The snow like- 
wse so retarded us in our journey to Ryej that we were 
^ioTC an hour in the night. However, the house was well 
fille4with serious hearers^ so that I did not repent of my 
labour. 



DEC. 1784.] RBV. JOHN WESLET'S JOURNAL* II 

Wednesday 8, With great difficulty, with two pair of 
good horses, we got on fifteen miles in five hours: but we 
could not reach Sevenoaks till the congregation had been 
long waiting. Thursday 9, going on to' Shoreham, we found 
that venerable man, Mr. Perronet, ninety-one years of age, 
calmly waiting for the conclusion of a good warfare. His 
bodily strength is gone, but his understanding is little im- 
paired, and he appears to have more love than ever. After 
preaching to an earnest congregation in the evening, and to 
great part of them in the morning, I returned to London. 

Monday 13, and the two following days, I preached at 
Canterbury, Dover, and Sittingbourn. Thursday 16, 1 went 
to Sheemess, where Mr. Fox read prayers, and I preached 
on those words in the Second Lesson, If the righteous 
scarcely be saioed, where shall the ungodly and the sinner 
appear? I hardly ever spoke stronger words. May God 
make the application ! I never before found this society in 
such a state as they were now, being all, in general, athirst 
for God, and increasing in number as well as in grace. Fri- 
day 17, I preached at Chatham, where likewise I found 
only peace and love: and on Saturday 18, cheerfully re- 
turned to London. 

Monday ^, I went to Hinxworth, were I had the satis- 
fiiction of meeting Mr. Simeon, Fellow of King's-CoUege in 
Cambridge. He has spent some time with Mr. Fletcher at 
Madeley ; two kindred souk ; much resembling each other^ 
both in fervour of spirit, and in the earnestness of their ad- 
dress. He gave me the pleasing information, that there are 
three parish churches in Cambridge, wherein true, scriptural 
religion is preached, and several youag gentlemen, who are 
happy partakers of it. ^ 

I preached in the evening, on Gal. vi. 14. Tuesday 31, 
I spent a little time with the children at Miss Harvey's 
school, whom she likewise carefully instructs herself. After 
dinner we set out for Wrestlingworth ; and having a akilfid 
guide, who rode before the chaise, and picked out the Mit 
way, we drove four miles in only three hours. Wednes- 



10 ABV. jrosN wjuuy's jovrtxau [jak. 178Su 

day 88, I letiunied to London, and concluded my jonneys 
fer tbe present year. 

Saturday 8iy We met as usual, in the new cfaapd, ai 
four : at ten, and in the afternoan, I preached in Weft> 
street; and a>fi^rwards speot a cemfintaUe hour in meeting 
the society, 

Sunday 26, I pveaciied the candenuied crimiaaU' sermon 
in Neivgate: forty-tseireii were tinder sentence of deaih. 
While they were coming in, theve was something Tery aw« 
f ul in <Jie clink of iheir rhwiinn : but no sooad was heaid, 
tiihex from them, or the crowded audience, after the text 
was named. There is jo^ in htavcn jcayr one sinner that 
repeniethy more than ^ver ninety and nine just persons^ 
that need not repentance^ The power of the Loid was eaH- 
fientty present, and most of the prisoners were in tears. A 
few days afler, twenty of ibem died at once, five of whom 
died in peace. I could not but givatly approyt of the 
q^iiit and behaviour of Mr. Villatte, the ofdinary. And 
I rejoiced to hear, that it was the same on aU simihur oc» 
oasions^ 

Friday SI, We had a solemn watch-night, and ushered 
in the new year with the voice of praise and tiiaiiksgivuig. 

SirtuiAiy, January 1, 276S, Wbether this be the last or 
SK)t, may it be the best year of my . life 1 Simday 3, a larger 
number of people were present this evening, at the renewal 
of our ooveaaal with God, than was ever seen before on the 
occasion. 

Tuesday 1, At this season we usually distribute coals and 
Inead among the poor of the society. But I now considered 
Ihey wanted clothes ^ns well as fi»od. So on this, and the 
four fi>llowing days, I walked through the town, and begged 
two hundred pounds, in ord^ tO'dodie them that wanted it 
snQst : but it was hard work, as most of the €tree^ were 
filled wMi melting snow, which often lay ankle deep; sa 
tt|it fay feet were steeped in enow-water nearly from mom^ 
■1^ till evening. I held it o«t pretty well till Sa^tnrday even- 
ing, when I was laid up with u violent flux*, which increased 
every hour, tiU^ at si^ in the morning,^ Dr. Wbitehei^d. 



JAN. 1785.} REV. JOHN WBSLBY^ft JOURNAL. IS 

called upon me. His first draught made me quite easy : 
and three or four more perfected the cure. If he lire some 
yearsi I expect he will be one of the^most eminent physiciam 
in Europe. 

I i^upposed my journeys this winter had been over; but I 
could not decline one more. Monday 17, I set out for poor 
Cdchester, to encourage the little flock. They had exceed- 
ing little of tbb world's goods, but most of them had a 
better portion. 

Tuesday 18, I went on to Mistley thorn, a village near 
Manningtree. Some time since, one of the skipwrights of 
Deptford-yard, being sent hither to supetintend the building' 
of some men of war, began to read sermons on a Sunday 
evening in his own house. AfCorwards he exhorted them a 
little^ and then formed a little society. Some time after, he 
begged one of our preachers to come over and help them. 
I tt<>w found a lively society, and one of the most ekgani 
congregations I had seen for many years : yet they seemed 
as willing to be instructed as if they had lived in Kings* 
Wood. Wednesday 19, I returned to Colchester; and on 
Thursday 90, preached to a lovely congr^ation at Parfleet> 
and the next morning returned to London. 

Sunday S3, I preached morning and afternoon ai West- 
street, and in the evening in the chapel at Knightsbride : 
I think it will be the last time; for I know not that I have 
ever seen a worse behaved congregation. 

Tuesday 25, I spent two or tlrree hours in the House of 
Lords. I had frequently beard, that this was the most 
venerable assembly in England : but how was I disappointed I 
What is a lord, but a sinner, bom to die? 

S«nday SO, Frcon those words, Righteous art thon^ O 
LoTt/^ and true are thy judgments^ I endeavoured to point 
out those sins, which were the diief cause of that awful 
transaction we commemorate tliis day: I bdieve the chief 
sin, which brought the King to the block, was his peMfe; 
eating the real Christians. Hereby he drove them into tmm' 
bands of designing mea^ which issued in his own deslnic* 
tion. 



t 



14 RET. JOHN Wesley's joubnal. [march 1785# 

Sunday, Feb. 6, We bad a love-feast. I could not but 
observe the manner wherein several of them spoke, one after 
another. Not only the matter, but the language ; the ac« 
cent, the tone of voice, wherewith illiterate persons, men 
and women, young and old, spoke, were such as a scholar 
need not be ashamed of. Who teacheth like him! 

Sunday 13, I met the single women, and exhorted them 
to consider, to prize and to improve the advantages they en- 
joyed. On the following days I visited many of our poor, 
to see with my own eyes what their wants were, and how 
they might be eflfectually relieved. 

Sunday 20, I preached in Spitalfields church in the morn- 
ing ; and in the afternoon at St. Ethelburg's ; and in the 
evening at the new chapel. On Monday, Tuesday, and 
Wednesday,^ I visited the residue of the sick and poor. 

Friday 25, 1 received letters from the preachers, stewards, 
and leaders, at Plymouth-dock, informing me, that William 
Moore had renounced the Methodists, hired a place to 
preach in, and drawn away about forty of our n^embers, to 
form a society for himself. They therefore begged I would 
come down as soon as possible, to quench the kindling fire* 
I saw no time was to be lost, and therefore immediately took 
places in the Exeter diligence. 

' Sunday 27, I preached in Stepney church, one of the 
largest parish churches in England. Monday 28, the dili- 
gence reached Sarum about eight in the evening : about nine 
we left it. So keen a frost, I hardly ever felt before : and 
our carriage let in the air on all sides, so that we could 
hardly preserve life : however, soon after five on Tuesday 
evening we got to Exeter. 

Wednesday, March 2, We went on to Plymouth-dock, 
and found all that we had heard, confirmed : but I verily 
believe, we are better without William Moore, than with 
him, as his heart is not right with God. 
.;^. To quiet the mihds of many well-ineaiiing persons, I 
preached on those comfortable words. Even the hairs of 
2/our head are all numbered. And in the morning, on De* 
spise not thou the chastening of the Lord^ nor faint when 



fe^ 



MARCH 1785*3 REV. JOHK WESLEY'S JOVRKAL. 15 

thou art rebuked of him. Thursday 3, in the evening I 
lead to the whole congregation, a plain state of the case^ 
with r^ard to the Deed of Declaration, which William 
Moore had so wonderfully misrepresented; and I believe 
they were fully satisfied. 

Friday 4, I took a walk through the Royal Hospital for 
sick and wounded sailors* I never saw any thing of the 
kind so complete : every part is so convenient, and so admi- 
rably neat. But there is nothing superfluous, and nothing 
purely ornamental, either within or without. There seema 
to be nothing wanting, but a man full of faith and zeal, to 
watch over the souls of the poor patients, and teach them to 
improve their affliction. 

In the evening I preached to a large congregation at FIy« 
mouth, and it pleased God to give me uncommon liberty in 
describing the power of faith. What a blessed proof of this 
has there been here, since I was in the town before ! 

Preaching at the dock in the evening, I besought all 
serious people, not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, but to 
put away all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and clamour^ 
and evil speaking. I exhorted them in particular, not to 
talk about Mr. Moore at all, but to give him up to God. 

Sunday 6, I preached at the dock at seven : between one ^ 

and two I began at Plymouth ; and as many as could get in -^. 

seemed to be deeply affected with the application of those 
words. Go tht/ way^ and as thou hast believed^ so be it done 
unto thee. 

In the afternoon I accepted of an invitation from Dr. 
Gench, the physician of the hospital, and passed an agree-* 
able hour with a man of sense, and it seems, of considerable 
learning. At five I preached in the shell of the new bouse, 
on The form and power of godliness. In the evoiing I met 
the society once more, confirmed in the truth more than ever, 
and more determined to walk in the good old way, wherein 
they had continued from the beginning. ^ 

Monday 7, We had a pleasant journey to Exeter, oH 
on Tuesday to Bath ; but the coach did not come in soon 
enough for me* to preach in the evening ; nevertheless, we 



10 REV. JOHK WEftLCY*8 JOURVAL. [mARCH 1785. 

bad a large congregation in the morning. Wednesday 9, this 
adci^y too is much improred since I was here last. Many 
stumbling-blocks are remored out of tlie way, and brotherly 
l<rre is increased. 

After spending a day or two at Bristol, on Saturday 13, I 
returned to Bath, and preached to a tiumerous congregation. 
Great part of them w^re present again at six in the morning. 
Sunday 20, I went over to Ktngswood, and preached the 
funeral sermon of Ann Noble, an old member of the society, 
who having adorned the gospel above forty years, died in 
(he full triumph of faith. 

Monday 81, I set out early and dined at Stroud. The 
death of Mr. Willis, snatched away in the midst of his 
years, but a few. days before brought abundance of people 
to the preaching-house. And most of th'em were deeply se- 
rious, so that w« had a very solemn hour. Tuesday S3, I 
preached in Painswick at noon, and at six in the court-house 
at/ Gloucester. A multitude of people flocked together; 
many of whom were of the better sort : and most of them 
appeared to be, for the present, almost persuaded to be 
Christians. 

Wednesday 23, About eleven, I preached at Tewksbury,^ 
and in the evening at Worcester. Thursday 24, I break- 
fasted at Mrs. Price*s, a Quaker, who keeps a boarding- 
school. I was much pleased with her children, so elegantly 
plain in their behaviour as well as apparel. I was led, I 
know not how, to speak to them largely ; then to pray. And 
we were all much comforted. The society is in great peace^ 
and i»triving together for the hope of the gospel. I have not 
seen greater earnestness and simplicity in any society since 
we left London. 

I was now considering, how strangely the grain of mvtis* 
tard-secd, planted about fifty years ago, has grown up. If 
has spread through all Great-Britain and Ireland, the Isle 
of. Wight and the Isle of Man ; then to America, from the 
Leeward Islands, through the whole Continent, into Canada 
aiid Newftmndland. And the societies in all these parts walk 
by one rule^ knowing religion is holy tempers ; and srtririfl^ 



MARCH 1785'.] JftEV. JOHN WE8LET's JOURNAL 17 

to worship God nbt in form only, but likewise in spirit and 
in truth. ' 

March 25, (Good-Friday) I hastened to reach Birming- 
ham, before the church service began. A sharper fro^t' I 
never knew. Buft indeed our house was hot enough in the 
evening ; and I -have not seen a more eaniest people. Such 
an advantage it is, to be ftilly employ ed ! In every place 
we find labouring men most susceptible of rdigion* Such a 
blessing r^ults from that curse, In the sweat of tht/ bratb 
thou shalt eat bread, 

Saturday S6, I had designed to rest ; but notice had been 
given of my preaching at Quinton at noon. As the house 
would not hold the people, I was constrained, cold as it 
was, to preach abroad. And they all seemed to /ee/ that 
solemn question, How shall we escape^ if zee neglect so 
great sAlvation? 

In the evening my heart was enlarged in such a manner 
as I have seldom known; so that I detained' the con^ega- 
tion considerably longer than I am accustomed to do ; and 
all thp people seemed determined to glorify God, vitb their 
body and their spirit. 

March 27, (Easter-Day) I preached at seven, on The 
Lord is risen indeed, with an uncommon degree of freedom, 
and then met the local preachers, several of whom seemed 
to have caught the fashionable disease. Desire of Indepen- 
dency : they were at first very warm, but at length agreed 
to act by the rules laid down in the Minutes of* the Con- 
ference. 

The weather now changed. Small rain fell some hours, 
and then turned into snow; this made it very dirty : how- 
ever, the poor people got through, and filled Darlaston 
church. Hence I returned to Wednesbury; but could not 
preach abroad, the ground being Covered with snow : as 
many as could, crowded into the house. A love-feast fol- 
lowed, at which many plain people spoke without reserve. 
The artless propriety with which they spoke, must be truly 
astonishing to all who did not consider that promise. Ye 
shall be all taught of God. 

VOL. VI. C 



18^ AEV. JOHN WESLET's JOURNAL. [APRIL 1785. 

Monday 28, I preached a kind of iiineral sermon, on 
Sarah Wood, one of the first members of the society. For 
above fifty years she adorned the gospel, being a j^ittem of 
all holiness. She was confined to her bed for several months. 
Being asked, If time did not hang upon her hands ; she 
answered, ^' No, the Bible is my delight" ^^ How can 
that be," said her friend, " when you cannot see ?" " Very 
well," said she, ^^ for the Lord brings it to my remem- 
brance." So, without doubt or fear, she delivered up her 
soul to her merciful and faithful Creator. 

About eleven I preached at Wolverhampton, and spent 
the afternoon with the amiable fiunily at Hilton-Park. Tues« 
day 39, at noon, I preached in the room at Stafford, to^ a 
deeply affected congregation. This was the more strange, 
because there are few towns in England less infected with 
religion than Stafford. In the evening I preached at New- 
castle, to a very serious and much affected congr^ation. 
Wednesday SO, we found a difficulty at Lane-End : even 
at noon the house contained not a third of the congregation : 
thewkuirwas piercing cold : nevertheless I preached abroad; 
and God warmed our hearts. In the evening I was greatly 
comforted among our brethreh at Burslem, well established 
in grace. And such another congr^ation I met with, Thurs- 
day 31, at Congleton. 

Friday, April 1, 1 came to Macclesfield, where Mr. Simp- 
son had given notice of my preaching in his church. Here 
I fuUy delivered my own soul; and on Saturday S, went on 
to Manchester. Sunday 3, our brethren flocking in from all 
parts, the house, large as it is,' could not contain them. It 
was supposed we had twelve hundred communicants- 
Monday 4, I preached to our old, loving congregation at 
Bolton. Tuesday 5, at noon, I preached at Wingate, in 
the open air : the congregation were quite ripe for all the 
gospel blessings, devouring every word. In the evening I 
preached at Wigan. I never before saw this preaching- 
house full : but it was more than full to-night ; and with 
deeply attentive hearers. 
Wednesday 6, I preached at Liverpool; but I found no 



AI^RIL 1785.] REV. JOHN WESLET's JOURNAL. 19 

ship there ready to sail ; so, Thursday?, (after preaching 
at Warrington in the way) I hastened to Chester. Neither 
was there any ship at Parkgate ready to sail; so Friday 8, 
we took coacb, and reached Holyhead between four and 
iive on Saturday in the afternoon. Between nine and ten 
we went on board tfie Clermont packet: but it was a dead 
cidm, till past ten on Sunday 19, when the company desired 
me tp give them a sermon. After sermon, I prayed that Grod 
would give us a full .and speedy passage; while I was 
speaking, the wind sprung lip, and in twelve hours brought 
us to Dublin-Bay. Does not our Lord still hear prayer ? 
I found such a resting place at our own house, as I never 
found ia Ireland before, and two such preachers, with two 
such wives, I know not where to find again. In the evai- 
ing, and so every evening beside, we had Sunday evening 
congregations. And in the morning they were larger by a 
third part, than those I had, when I was here last. 

On Tuesday and the three following days I examined the 
society: I never found it in such a state before: many of 
them rejoiced in God their Saviour, and were af plain in 
their apparel, both men and women, as those -jp Bristol and 
London, Many, I verily believe, love God with all their 
hearts; imd the number of these increases daily. The num- 
ber of the whole society is seven hundred and forty-seven. 
Above three hundred of these have been added in a few 
months : a new and unexpected thing ! In various places in- 
deed we have frequently felt 

"The overwhelming power of saving grace;*' which 
acted almost irresistibly. But such a shower of grace never 
continued long ; and afterwards men might resist the Holy 
Ghost as before. When the general ferment subsides, every 
one that partook of it, has his trial for life. And the high^ 
the flood, the lower will be the ebb; yea, the more swiftly 
it rose, the more swiftly it falls. So that if we see this here, 
we should not be discouraged. We should only use all di- 
ligence, to encourage as many as possible, to press forward^- 
in spite of all the refluent tide. ^ Now especially we shouflt 
warn one another, not to grow weary or &int in our nunds c 

2 



90 R£v. JOHN Wesley's journal, [april 1785. 

if happily we may see such another prodigy as the late one 
at Paiilton near Bath. Where there was a very swift work of 
God, and yet a year after, out of a hundred converted, 
there was not o^e backslider! 

The number of children that are clearly converted 
to God is particularly remarkable. Thirteen or fourteen 
little maidens in one class j are rejoicing in God their Saviour^. 
And are as serious and i^tayed in their whole behaviour, as 
if they were thirty or forty years old. I have much hope, 
that half of them will be'Steadfast in the grace of God which 
they now enjoy. 

Sunday 17, We had such a number of communicants at 
the cathedral, as was scarcely ever seen there before. In the 
evening merny were cut to the heart ; and I believe not a few 
cotnforted. A love-feast followed; at which many sp<^e^ 
what God had done for their souls, with all plainness and 
simplicity. 

Monday 18, I went through a delightful country to Pros- 
perous, a little town begun five yfears ago, by Captain 
Brook6^^just returned from the East-Indies. Here he in- 
trodiiced every branch of the cotton manufactory, on a most 
extensive jffan. He built two rows of commodious houses, 
with air convenient appurtenances. And he now employs 
about two thousand men, women, and children, on the spot, 
beside nearly the same number in other places. 

They had a very laige room, but not nearly large enough 
for the congregation. All that got in, seemed much affected, 
as they did likewise at "five in the morning. About fifty of 
them are already joined in a sodiety. Fair blossoms ! But 
what will the fruit be? 

A remarkable circumstance, we were infcwmed, occurred 
near this place, about three weeks before. A poor womauj 
who owed her landlord fourteen pounds, scraped seven to- 
gether, which she brought him. But he absolutely refused 
to take less than the whole, yet detained her in talk till even- 
ing. She then set out on a car. When she was within a 
ttile of home, she overtook a soldier, who said he was ex- 
ceedingly tired, and earnestly intreated her, to let him ride 



APRIL 1785.] RBV. JO^K WES&Er's JOURNAL*. 91 

with her on the car, to which she at length consented. 
When they came to her house, finding there, was. no town 
within two miles, he begged he might sit by the fire-side till 
morning. She fold him, she durst not suffer it, as her*s was 
alone house, and there was none in it but herself and her 
girl; but at last, she agreed, he should lie in the girl's bed, 
and she and the girl would lie together. At midnight two 
men, who had blackened their faces, broke into the house^ 
and demanded her money. She said, " Then let me go into 
the next room and fetch it." Going in, she said to the 
soldier, " You have requited me well for my kindness, by 
bringing your comrades to rob my house." He asked, 
" Where are they ?" She said, " In th^ next room. " He 
started np, and ran thither. The men ran away with all 
speed. He fired after them, and shot one dead ; who being 
examined, appeared to be her landlord ! So that a soldier 
was sent to protect an innocent woman, and punish an 
hardened villain ! 

Tuesday 19, I preached at ten, to an uncommonly large 
and serious congregation at Eden-derry. In the evening I 
preached at Tyrrel's-Pass,^ where a small, dead society is all . 
that now remains. Such another I found at Coolylough on 
Wednesday 20. Thursday 21, going, to Athlone, 1 found 
the scene entirely changed : there has not been for many 
years so much life in the society. Many of the old, dead 
members are quickened again. Many are added to them ; 
and there is no jar of any kind among them : they provoke 
one another only to love and to good works. 

Friday 22, It is just seven years since I was here before; 
and I find little change in many, only that they are more 
dead to the )¥orld, and consequently more alive to God. 
And for a few that have left them, God has given them 
double, that are either alive to.God^ or athirst for him. 

Sunday 24, In the afternoon I preached at the east end of 
the market-house. I scarcely ever saw so numerous a cooi* 
gregation at Athlone; and all were attentive: not a worfl 
was heard^ and scarcely any motion was to be seen. I trust 



22 RET. JOHN WE8LET's JOURNAL. [APRIL 1785. 

the seed now sown will not! wither awaj, but grow up into 
everlasting life. 

Monday 25, Being desired to preach at Ballinasloe, in 
mj way to Aughrim, I stood about eleven in the shade of a 
large house, and preached to a numerous congregation of 
Papists and Protestants equally attentive, on The kingdom 
of God is at hand. As I entered Aughrim, the rector, who 
was waiting at his gate, welcomed me into the country, and 
desired me to use his church, both now and whenever I 
pleased : I preached there at six. It was thoroughly filled 
with well-behaved hearers : but the society here, as well as 
that at Tyrrel's-Pass, is well-nigh shrunk into nothing! 
Such is the baleful influence of riches ! The same efiect we 
find in every place. The more men increase in goods, (very 
few excepted) the more they decrease in grace. 

Tuesday 26, I went on to Eyre-court. Here also the 
minister gave me the use of his church ; but the people 
seemed to understand little of the matter. As I had not this 
privilege at Birr, I went to the square, where the owner of 
a large house invited me to preach before it. The congrega- 
tion was exceedingly large ; but many of them wild as colts 
untamed : however, the far greater part of them were seri- 
ously attentive. I am in hopes the work of God will revive 
here also; the rather because he has fully restored one of the 
most eminent backsliders in the kingdom. 

When I came to TuUamore, the minister was willing that 
I should preach in the church ; where both the soldiers and 
all the officers attended. And our great Captain was present 
also. 

Thursday 28, I supposed the house at Portarlington 
would have more than contained the congregation ^ but it 
would scarcely contain a third part of them. So I removed 
to the market-house, and preached on the General judg* 
ment. The word was quick and powerful, so that very few 
appeared to be unaffected. • 

In the evening I preached in the church at Mount-Mellick. 
Perhaps such a congregation was never there before : but 



MAT 1785.] BEV. JOHN WEBLET's JOURNAL* 23 

the greater part of them seemed to be 6f Gallio's mind, to 
care for none of these thuigs. 

Friday 39, 1 preached in our own house at Killkenny, to 
just such another congregation : but those that attended in 
the morning were of a nobler spirit, and I found uncommon 
liberty among them. Saturday SO, I preached at Waterford 
in the court-house, one of the largest in the kingdom. A 
multitude of people quickly ran together, which occasioned 
some tumult at first ; but it was quickly over, and aU were 
deepl/ attentive. Surely God will have much people in this 
city. 

Sunday, May 1, At eight I preached in the^ourt-house 
to a larger congregation than before. At eleven I went to the 
cathedral, one of the most elegant churches in Ireland. The 
whole service was performed with the utmost solemnity. 
After service, the senior prebend, Dr. Fall, invited me to 
dinner, and desired, ^^ when I came again, I would take a 
bed at his house.'' I doubt, that will never be! 

At four I preached at the head of the Mall, to a Moor- 
field's congr^ation, all quiet and attentive. Monday S, the 
congrq^ation at five in the morning was larger than thaton 
Saturday evening; and all of them appeared to have (for 
the present at least) a real concern for their salvation : O that 
it may not pass away as the morning dew! I took a uAema 
&iewel of this afiTectionate people, concluding with tboie 
awful words : 

^' Now on the brink of death we stand; 
And if I pass before; 
You all may safe escape to land. 
And hail me on the shore." 

Tuesday 3, We set out fer DongarvaiHferry ; ImlintpUt 
of an the speed we could make, the road wai so borriMe 
that we could not reach Yougball befbfe nx in dbe eweningi 
at seven, the court-house was filled from end to end^ Atid 
such was the attentioii of all, hi|^ and low, thail I h/ip« 
many of them will brii^ forth firoit to perfeetion* 

Wednesday 4, At five IB the nofiiiif the eoOTt'^^ 



S4 REV. JOHN Wesley's journal, [mat : 1785. 

thoroughly filled : so in the evening I preached in the Mall ; 
ivhere the congregation was much the same as the last at 
Waterford ; only that they were in general^ Prbtestants^ as 
are most in the town ; who are also some of the most cour- 
teous and quiet people in the kingdom. 

Thursday 5, Before I came half way to Cork, I was met 
by about thirty horsemen. We dined at Middleton, and 
then rode on through a pleasant, well cultivated country to 
Cork. In the evening, many in the crowded congregation 
were much comforted. Friday 6, I made an exact enquiry 
into the state of the society. I found the number was about 
four hundred, many of whom were greatly in earnest. 
Many children, chiefly girls, wefe indisputably justified : 
soihe of them were likewise sanctified, and were patterns of 
all holiness. 

But how shall we keep up the flame that is now kindled, 
not only in Cork, but in many parts of the nation ? Not by 
sitting still, but by stirring up the gift of God that is in 
them; by uninterrupted watchfulness; by warning every 
one^ and exhorting every one ; by besieging the throne with 
all the powers of prayer; and, aft^r all, some will, and 
some will not improve the grace which they have received : 
therefore, there must be a falling away : wie are not to be 
discouraged at this, but to do all that in us lies t9-day, 
leaving the morrow to God. 

Saturday 7, On this day that venerable saint, Mr. Perro- 
net, desired his grand-daughter, Miss Briggs, who attended 
him day and night, to go out into the garden, and take a 
little air. He was reading and hearing her read the three 
last chapters of Isaiah. When she returned, he was in a 
kind of ecstacy, the tears running down his cheeks, from a 
deep s^nse of the glorious things which were shortly to 
come to pass. He continued unspeakably happy that day, 
and on Sunday was, if possible, happier still : and indeed 
heaven seemed to be as it were opened, to all that were 
round about him. When he was in bed, she went into his 
room to see if any thing was wanting ; and, as she stood at 
the feet of the bed, he smiled and broke put, ^' God bless 



mat' 1785.] .REV. JOHN wisley's jovrvau 85 

thee, my dear child, -and all that belong to thee. Yea, he 
will bless thee ! " which he earnestly repeated many times, 
till she left the room*. W^hen she went in the next morning, 
Monday 9\ his spirit was; returned to God. 

So ended the holy and happy life of Mr. Vincent Peno- 
net, in the ninety-second year of his age. I follow hard after 
him in years^ being now' in the eighty-seccmd year of my 
age. O that I may follow hin^ in holiness : and that my last 
end may be like his ! • ^ 

; Sunday S^ In: the afternoon I s(ood in the vacant spac^ 
near the preachingrhouse, capable of containing many 
thousands. An immense number assenibled : there, was no 
distiirbance : the days of tumult here are over : and God 
has now of a long seksuu made our enemies to be at peace 
with us. . , 

Monday 9, About noon I preached at Kinsal^, in the old 
Bowlingrgreen, which lies on the top of the hill, and com- 
mands a large prospect, both by sea and land. All behaved 
well, but a few officers, who walked . up and down, ^nd 
talked together during the whole service. , The poor in Ire- 
land in general are well behaved: all the ill-breeding ig 
among well-dressed people. In. the ev/^ning I preached in 
the main street at Bandon, to a very numerous congregation; 
but some of them were better clothed than taught, for they 
laughed and talked great p^ of the time*. 

Such a transaction occurred here last week, as has not 
occurred this century. A soldier walking oyer -the bridge, 
met. a countryman, and, taking- a fancy to his stick, strove 
to wrench it firom^in^ : his. companion knocked the soldier 
down: news of tJbiis. being carried to the barracks, a whole 
troop of fsoldiers marched down, and, without any provoca- 
tion, fell upon the countrymen coiping i^to the town, pur- 
sued them into the houses where ,they fled for sh^ter, and 
hacked and hewed them without mercy : two and forty 
wer^ wounded, several maimed, and tv^Q killed upon the 
spot, 

Wednesday 11, I returned from Bandon to Cork, and^ 
after endeavouring to confirm those that Wjere much alive to 



\ 



f6 BBV. JOHN WESLBT's JOURNAL. [mAT 1785; 

God, on Friday IS, with some diffictdtj, I broke loose 
jGrom my affectionate friends, and in two long stages reacbed 
Kilfinane. It being too stonny to preach abroad, I preached 
in the assembly room: all the hearers were serious and 
wffl-behaved. I trust, some will bring forth fruit with 
patience. 

Afterwards I took a survey of the Danish mount near the 
town, the first I have seen surrounded with a triple ditch : 
but it is not either so high or so large as that near Dundee. 
Is it not strange, that the Irish, as well as the Scots, should 
so soon have driven out those merciless robbers, who defied 
all the strength of England for so long a time ? 

Saturday 14, I found a far greater curiosity, a large 
Dmidical temple. I judged by my eye, that it was not less 
than a hundred yards in diameter : and it was, if I remem- 
ber right, full as entire as Stone-henge, or that at Stanton- 
Drue. How our ancestors could bring, or even heave, these 
enormous stones, what modem can comprehend ! 

In the evening we found many of our old friends at Lime- 
rick were removed io Abraham's bosom. Sunday 15, 
(Whitsunday) the service at the cathedral began at eleven, 
and lasted till three. It concluded a little sooner, by my 
assisting at the Lord's-Supper, at the request of the clergy- 
men. Beti^een five and six I took my stand near the cus- 
tom-house, amidst an innumerable multitude of people; but 

they were 

** Wild as the untaught Indian's brood." 

They made such a wonderful noise, that I judged it best to 
giv^ them the ground, and retire to our own house. Mon- 
day 16, I restored the select society, which had been quite 
neglected. In the evening I earnestly exhorted all our 
brethren, to set out again in the good old way, and to run, 
with patience, the race that is set before them. 

Tuesday 17, In my way to Gort, I was met by some of 
our brethren of Killchrist, a village eight miles beyond it, 
giving me an invitation from Colonel Pearse, to lodge at his 
house. He sent me to Killchrist, in one of his own car- 
riages. There I found a large number of plam people, to 



MAT 1785.] REV. JOHN WEBLEY's JOtTRKAL. 27 

vrhom I preached in the yard. Thence I returned to flie 
Colonel's, but the house being full of genteel compdny, I 
was out of mj element, there being no room to talk upon 
the only subject which deserves the attention of a rational 
creature. 

Wednesday 18, Learning that a little girl had sat up all 
night, and then walked two miles to see me, I took her into 
the chaise, and was surprised to find her continually rejoic- 
ing in God. The person, with whom the preachers lodge, 
informed me, that she had been two years possessed of his 
pure love. We breakfasted at Athenry, once a populous 
city : but now Seges esty ubi Troja fuU» In the afternoon 
we went on to Ballinrobe. 

Having heard a remarkable account of the Charter-school 
here, I resolved to see it with my own eyes : I wrat thither 
about five in the afternoon, but found no master ncv mistress. 
Seven or eight boys, and nine or ten girls (the reftt being 
rambling abroad) dirty and ragged enough, were left to the 
care of a girl, half the head taller than the rest. She led us 
through the house. I observed first the school-room, not 
much bigger than a small closet. Twenty children could not 
be taught there at once, with any convenience; when we 
came into the bed-chamber, I enquired, ^^ How many chil- 
dren now lodge in the house :" and was answered, ^^ four-* 
teen or fifteen boys, and nineteen girls.'* For these boys 
there were three beds, and five for the nineteen girls. For 
fixxl P was informed, the master was allowed a penny far- 
thing a day for each ! Thus they are clothed, lodged, and 
fed! But what are they taught? As &r as I could learn, 
just nothing! Of these things I informed the commissioners 
for these schools in Dublin : but I do not hear of any alter-* 
ation. If this be a sample of the Irish chatter-schodlsy what 
good can we expect from them ? - • '^ 

In my way from Limerick hither, I read, and carefolljr 
considered. Major Valiancy's Irish Crammar, allowed to foe 
the best extant. And, supposing him to gir^ a true account 
of the Irish language, it is not only beyond all comparison! 
worse than any ancient language I know any thing of, but 



S8 RBv. JOHN Wesley's journal, [mat )785,. 

bdow English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or. any 
other modem language* The difliculty of reading it is in- 
tolerable, occasioned chiefly by the insufferable number of 
mute letters, both of vowels and consonants; the like of 
"which is not io be found in any language under heaven. 
The number of pronouns, and the irregular formation of the 
verbs, is equally insufferable. But nothing is so insufferable 
as their poetry ; the whole construction oi which is so trifling 
and childish, and yet requires more pains to write than 
either the modern rhyme or the ancient attention to long and 
short syllables ! 

Friday SOy I went on to Castlebar. Here I generally 
find a welcome reception. Almost all the inhabitants here 
love us well, and believe the Methodists are good men. 

Saturday 21, Mr. Browne of Relins, about three miles; 
from Castlebar, invited us to his house. It is one of the 
pleasantest places I have seen in the kingdom ; but it was 
not so pleasant as when I was there first. For his lovely, 
wife, and an amiable daughter, are both gone into a better, 
country. 

Sunday 22, (Trinity-Sunday), I preached in the morning, 
on There are three that bear record in heaven. The con- 
gr^ation at church was remarkably well-behaved ; and the 
rector preached a sound, useful sermon. At five, I preached 
to an exceedingly numerous congregation, and afterwards 
administered the sacrament to the society. Two clergymen 
were with us, the curate of Castlebar, and the curate of a 
neighbouring parish ; one of whom already enjoys the peace 
of Gqdy and the other was earnestly seeking it. 

]M[onday 23, After a long day's journey, I preached in the 
new co^rt-house at Sligo, to far the worst congregation that 
I havejseen^^incel came into the kingdom. Some (niiscalled 
gentry) laughed and talked without fear or shame till I 
openly reproved them. And the rabble were pqually rude 
near the door. In the,9)0fning I preached in our own, 
preaching-house, chiefly for the saJke of Mrs. Simpson, a 
VQOther in Israel, who has been long confined to her room.. 
Walking about noon I was catched in a heavy shower, and 



MAY 1785.] REV. JOHK WfeSLEY's JOUkNAt^ 2§ 

contracted a severe cold : however, I preached m the even- 
iAg to a far civillei* congregation than the ni^t b^re. So 
I think my labour here was not <]fiiite in tain^ • ' 

Wednesday S5, I preached aboui ten in the coutt-hoiise 
at Manor-Hamilton, and then rode ov^r the Black-Mo^ntatny 
now clothed with green, and through a delightful road to 
Florence-Court. Here I observed the parti-coloured gates 
(as they were some years since) to be painted plain red. lie 
wind was high and piercingly cold ; yet the multitude of 
people obliged me to preach in the open air. 

Thursday 36, I preached in the assembly-room at Swad- 
lingbar, but not without difficulty, my cold being so in- 
creased, that I could not sing, nor speak, but just in 6ne 
keyi however, I made shift to preach in the church at Bal- 
liconnel in the evening, though it was very full and conse^ 
quently very hot. Friday 27, feelii^ myself xnuch as I 
was eleven years ago, and not knowing how short nly time' 
of working might be, I resolved to do a little while I could.' 
So I began at five, and though I could scarcely be heard at 
first, yet the more I spoke, the more my voice was strength- 
died. Before I had half done e?^rf one cfould hear. To 
Godf be all the glory ! 

• A4x)ilt ten I preached at Killishandra, to a multitude of 
peopte :. bat my voice was now so strengthened that every 
one could hear. In the evening, th^e being no house at 
Killmore that* could -contain half the congregation, I was 
obliged' again to preach- abroad.- There were several sharp 
lowers, but none went aw^y; for it pleased the Lord to 

• send therewith gracious rairi jou the souls of them that fear^ 



■ * * 



Saturday S8, At five, though I had not quite recovered 
my voice,' I judged it best to speak as I could : so I preach- 
ed in Mr. Creighton's barn, and at seven in the ball-room at 
Gavan. I had designed to go straight from hence to Clones, 
but a friend sending me word, that Mr. Sanderscm was wil- 
ling I should preach in his church at Ballihays, I altered 
my purpose and went thither. . Abundance of people werei 
waiting for me r but Mr. Sanderson having changed l|is 



90 BEY* JOHN W£8LB7*S JOURNAL. [XAY 1785« 

mind, I prenched in the inn-yard to a very \^ell*behayed 
congregation of rich as well as pooir. Hepce I went on to 
Clones, where I fi^onid such a society as I had hardly seen 
in Ireland) making it a point of conscience to conform to all 
our rules, great and small. The new preaching-house was 
exceedingly neat, but far too small to contain the congre- 
gation. The first time I preached to-day, was ^ith diffi- 
culty ; the second and third with less ; the fourth with none 
^aJtU 

Sunday S9, The morning service, so called, began be^ 
tween twelve and one. At five, the storm was so high, that 
I qo^ld not preach in th^ market-place, as I first designed. 
At length we pitched upon a sloping meadow near the town, 
where we were perfectly sheltered by the hill. I supposed 
the aggregation WQuld have filled the house at Dublin more 
than twice over^ - We had several showers ; but the peo« 
pie regarded them ncft^ being wholly taken up with better 
things, 

. Monday !30, We went on to Caledon. A convenient 
preaching-house is just built here, which, after the. forms 
' were removed, just contained the congregation. The pow^ 
of God was very unusually present among them. Manjjr 
, Were cut to the heart, and refused to be comforted, till <jrod 
tapoke peace* to their souls. And many did already rejoice 
with joy unspeakable. 

When we came. to Armagh on Tuesday, the wind was 
extremely high, and the air as cold-as it used to bein De« 
cc^ber : however, we had no place that could contain the 
Congregation, but Mr. M^Gough's avenue. And heiie the 
people crowding close together, did not seem to regard 
either cold or wind. 

Tuesday SI, We took a walk to the primate's palace, 
and had a full view of the house. It is elegant in the highest 
d^ee, and yet not splendid; and it is furnished through* 
out, in a handsome, . though not in a costly, manner^ Since 
I was here before, he has added an obelisk an hundred feet 
high, and a dairy -house, with many other conveniences, 
and a chapel, never yet used ! But we were informed, '^ He 



j0irB 1785.] BEY* JOHN Wesley's journal. 31 

designs U) do many things moreV How wdl then may it be 
said io him. 

^^ Tu secanda mannora 
Lo6as sttb iffeum fonus, etsepnlchri 
* ImmemoFy strois dpmos !'' 

the time, yet the congregation was large and attentive. Af- 
terwards a decent woman, whom I never saw, either before 
or since, desired to speak with me, and said, ^^ I met you 
at Caledon. . I bad then a violent pain in my head for four 
weeks; but was fully persuaded I should be well if you 
would lay your hand on my cheek, which I begged you to 
do. From that moment I have been perfectly well." If so, 
give God the glory. In the eveniog the rain drove us mto 
the market-house, where we were a little disturbed by two 
or three drunken men. But all the rest (a numerous congre- 
gation) behaved with deep seriousness. 

Wednesday, June 1, I took my leave of my co-eval 
Mr. M^Congh, whom I scarcely expect to sec again in this 
world. About ten I preached at Blackwater town, in 
Mr. Roe's yard,, to a large and elegant congregation; and 
in the evening to a larger still, at the side of the fort at 
Charlemount. ,Mrs. T. was an unspeakable blessing to this 
town, while Mr. T. was stationed there. And the revival 
of religion, which began then, has been increasiog ever 
since. 

In the road to and from Charlemount, I had a good deal 
of conversation with that amiable woman, Mrs. R. God 
has indeed dealt very mercifully with her, and her soul is at 
present much alive. I have great hopes, that she and her 
lovely family will be patterns to aU that are round about 
them. 

Thursday 2, I went to Mr. Caulfield's, the rector of 
Killeman, three mUes from Charlemount. His house is 
agreeably situated, at the head of a beautiful avenue, in 
which I preached to a very numerous congr^ation, most of 
whom seemed to be deeply affected. I sent my horses on to 



\ 



S2 BEVi JOHN WESLEY^S JOtTklf AL; f JTTNE 1785- 

Mr. Cook's town, ten Irish miles, Mr. Caulfield safidin^ iit« 
thither, Friday 3, with a pair of his. At ten I preached 
there, and then hastened forward, but I cbuid not reach 
Londonderry before sev^. We then found^-' notwithstanding 
they had but short notice, a congregation gathered 'horn all 
parts. The sociiety here has not been so well established 
for many years as it is no\<r. What' lis prirf^ipalljr wanting 
is 2«al for God, lind entire selMevotion to hiiiii . ' * "• 

Sundays, At eight I sAongly appliieid th^ latter part of 
the thirteenth chapter to the Romans. Wfe ha3 li vfery decent 
congregation at Church, but not so'many coknmunicants as 
I expected. At six, our room was tioroughly'filJed with as 
serious hearers as ever I saw. Monday 6, wfe'likd a nuine- 
xous congregation in the moming, of rich,' as'Vrell as poor. 
But who is able effectually to warn Aese^ to'flee from the 
wrath to come? ' ' 

At eleven I preached in ah open place at;Newt<iwh, six- 
teen miles from Londonderry. In the ey^ning we had at 
Colerain a larger congregation' thah at Clones itself: and 
they seamed a more intelligent people than most I have met 
with : indeed, the whole town is difierent from' 'kll that I 
have seen. There is no hurry or noike, 1bUt all qtliet and still, 
both by day and by night : so that no wonder -so many hen^ 
receive the gospel of peace, and bring forth fruit unto 
perfection. 

Tuesday 7, I accepted the offer of the Presbyterian meet- 
ing, and preached there at noon and at six in the evening. 
Wednesday 8, after preaching in the morning, I left many 
of the loving people in tears, and went on to Ballimoney, 
where I preached in the court-house, to a very civil and a 
very dull congregation. From hence we went to Ballimena. 
In the afliernoon I walked over to Gracehill, the Moravian 
settlement : beside many little houses for them that are mar^^ 
tied, they have three large buildings, (on the same plan 
with that at Fulneck) having the chapel in the middle, the 
houtee for the single men on the left hand, and that for the 
single women on the right. We spent one or two agreeable 
hours in seeing the several rooms. Nothing can exceed the 



JUNE 1785. j REV. JOHV WESLEY*S JOtTRKAIi. S3 

neatness of the rooms, or tbe courtesy of the inhabitants ; but 
if they have most courtesy, we have more love. We do not 
sutkr a stranger, especially a Christian brother to visit us, 
without asking him either ^^ id bite or sup." ^^ Butit ii 
their zoay.*^ I am sorry to say, so it is* When I called 
on Bishop Antone in Holland, an old acquaintance, wlioin 
I had not seen for six and forty years, till both he and I 
were grown grey»headed ; he did not ask me so much as to 
wet my lips! Is not this a shameful way ? A way, contrary 
not only to Christianity, but to common humanity ! Is it not 
a way ^hat a Jew, a Mahometan, yea^ an honest Heathen 
would be ashamed of? 

Having now finished an ingenious book, ^^ Le Yrayer^s 
Animadversions on the Ancient Historians," I thought a few 
passages worth transcribing, as containing some uncommoa 
remarks. He says more for the veracity of Herodotus than 
ever I saw before, and convinces me that his authoi;ity is 
more to be relied .oh than that of Polybiug, who, " <ioritrary 
to the truth of histbrj'^, makes Scipio an' example of Conti- 
nence, in giving up. the fair captive to the Spanish Prince ; 
whereas, in fact, he never would, noi^ (}id jeifetore hei^' to Ij^j: 
husband." >. . , r- 

'^ There is not a more incredible relation In all the Roman 
History, than that Clelia and all the Ifcoipan Virgins, who 
were hostages to the Hetrurians, swam ovef the river ^Fyb^ 
to Rome. Surely they would scarcely haVe dared to^Iook 
upon so rapid a river, much les$ to plunge i^itp it! Espe- 
cially when there was no necessity, for the peace was thc|i 
almost concluded. 

*^ Some writers affirm, and it is earnestly believed, that 
Belisarius was reduced to beggary: but it is a mei;e. fable: 
on the contrary, the Emperor Justinian heaped titl^ and 
honours upon him to the last ; although lie recalled him out 
*of Italy, after he had been defeated there by the French. 
-Procopius, who wrote largely concerning him,''Hiy8inot.'One 
word of his being reduced to poverty. ^' : '. .1 <:•*. it- 
Thursday 9, Between nine and* ten I preacbedJn the 
court-house at Antrip, <to a large^: stanng,. ixii\giv^|^aliiMi. 
VOL. VI. D 



34 BBY* JOjHN Wesley's journal, [june 1785, 

Thence we went on to Belfast^ through miserable roads^ At 
jix I preached in the Linen-hall^ to a large congregatioo, 
admirably well-behaved. I often wonder^ that among so 
civil a people, we can do but little good! 

Friday 10, We came to Downpatrick, where the preach- 
ing-house being too small, we repaired, as usual, to thd 
grove, a most lovely plain, very near the venerable ruins of 
the cathedral ; the congregation was as large as that at Bel^ 
fast, but abundantly more awakened. The people in general 
were remarkably affectionate : they filled the large preach* 
ing-hoiise at five in the morning; and we seemed to be as 
closely united with them, as with one of our old societies in 
'England. 

About eleven on Saturday I preached in the Linen-hall at 
Ballinihanch, to a numerous congregation. The country from 
hence to Lisburn, is wonderfully pleasant and fruitful. At 
six I preached in the Presbyterian-ineeting, a large and 
commodious building. And I was now with the most lively 
society that I have seen fi)r many days ; owing chiefly to 
the good prpyidence of God bringing sister Johnson hither. 
She came indeed in an acceptable time ; for J — W — and 
his wife, wJ^p for inany years had been pillars, had lefl the 
society. Tbc^y jbiad one child, a son, about nineteen years 
old, of whom tliey were fond enough: by a fall from hfs 
Iior^ he was killed in a moment, leaving his parents incon- 
solal^ie; jusj; then she came to Lisburn, and visited them. 
Crod opened lier mouth, both in exhortation and prayer. 
They saw and acknowledged his hand. She was enabled to 
..give up her child to God ; be cried out, " Surely God has 
sent an angel from, heaven to comfort us!" Both of them 
joined the society, and are more in earnest for salvation than 
they have be^n for many years, 

Sunday 19, We bad a solemn opportunity in the mom* 

ing. ;Ifir4he afternoon, as no building could ccmtain the 

people, I stood abroad and proclaimed. There is jot/ in heit- 

/Aentovir^dnesiifnkrthatrepeifiethj more than over ninety 

. mndnmcjugt porsons who'need not repentance. The heareis 



JUKE 17BS. J BfiV. lOHK WESLBT'S JOURNAL. 35 

(•allowing five peiBODB to ti squie yard) ^re seven or eight 
thousand. 

At eleven I preached in the church-yard at Lurgan. The 
sun shone extremely hot; but we were sheltered from it^ 
partly by the church, and partly by the' spreading trees. 
In the aftemooii i went on to Tandragee, one of the plea«' 
santest towns in Ireland, surrounded by* woods and fruitful 
hills) with a clear river running betw^n them. At six I 
stood in the grove, whefe the tall elms shaded both me and 
the numerous congregation? several gentlemen and clergy- 
men were among th&a; and all behaved with serious at- 
tention. ' 

I lodged at the Uev. Dr. L '^ s, inhere my time seemed 
exceedingly short. Wednesday 15, the scene changed from 
a palace to a cottage at Darry-Anvil, a small village, sur- 
rounded by a bog, but inhabited by lively Christians. 
About deven I preached ifr a shady orchard, to an exceed- 
ingly large congregation ; in the evening, to a still larger 
aft^e Grange^ a small villtige on the top ot a hill. Many 
fihewers went to the ngkt arid the left, while I was preach- 
ing ; bot'only a few drops fett upon us. 

Thursday 16, Aborut eight I preached at Rich-hill, where 
there weite many bacfcdiders, on How shall I gtoe thee up^ 
Ephraimf In the i^leni«m I came to Newiy, where I 
never before had any tolerable place to preach in : but the 
Presbyterians now offered me the use of their large and 
handsome meeting-house ; perhaps it never was filled before. 
I believe the occasion required me to speak very plainly, r 
which I did from Elijah's question, How long hdU ye be* 
tween two opimom^ And I applied it to the conscience of 
eadt person, rich and poor, with all possible plainness. 

Friday 17, Many of .our friends fix)m Dublin gave Us the . 
meting at Drogheda, a large handsome town, which seemed 
to>me to be little inferior to Waterford. After much opposi- 
tion,: Bir small society b formed h^re. I preached in- the Ses- 
flioDS-house, a large eomooodious room, which was quickly 
fitted, with rich and poor. The mayor himself, and several 
pf the aldermen, took care that none should niake any dis« 

D 2 



36 iiEV. JOHN Wesley's jocaiifAL. [juke 1785. 

turbance. God gave us an exceedingly sdemn season. Af- 
ter sermon I gave a short account of the rise of Methodism. 
I believe all were so satisfied that there will scarcely be any 
more persecution of the Methodists^at Progheda. 

Saturday 18, Having visited all. the places I proposed, I 
came back to Dublin, just as well as I set out, my strength 
having.been as my d^y. ,. . 

Sunday 19, I exhorted a crowded audience to bring forth 
fruits me^t for repentance; and afterwards pressed' the ex- 
hortation on our own society. Monday SO, I visited one ill 
of a violent fevei;, and calmly* triuo^phing over sickness, 
pain, and death. In the evening I received a letter from a 
physician, whom the next joiorQing I carried to see her: he 
thoroughly understood her case. And from thfe d^y she fol- 
lowed his prescription, she.began (o recover. I feared very 
rpany of the society* would be lost ijeforp my return : but I 
found only three; so that.teven hu^dc0d and thirty-seven of 
them remained. : , . ; t. . .>,: :^^;;^ 

Wednesday 2S> I went with twelve or fourteen . of but 
friends on the canal to ProsperOus>. It is a most el^rant. way 
of travelling, little inferior to that)t>f the track«-skaits in 
Holland. We had fifty or siicty persons in the boat, many 
of whom desired me to give them ai sermon : I did so, and 
they w^e all attention. In the evening I preached ait Prosi 
perous,' to a numerous congregation, on the General judg* 
ment. Afler preaching at five in the morning, Thursday SS, 
I took boat with a, larger company than before, wbo^ abont 
eleven, desired me to preach; ibr which they appealed' to 
be exceedingly thankful. 

. Tuesday @8, By the good providence of God, Ifinisbed 
the eighly-sccond year of my age. Is any thing i.oo hard 
for God ? It is now eleven years since I have felt any such 
thing as weariness. Many times I speak till my voice fails, 
and I can speak no longer. « Frequently I walk till my 
strength fails, and I can walk no farther: yet, even then, I 
foel no sensation of weariness; but am perfectly easy from 
head to foot. I dare not impute this io natural causes. H 
is the will of God. .T 



JULY 1785.] REV. joiiir Wesley's journax. 37 

Friday, July 1, Most of our tFavelling preachers met, to 
confer together on the'things of God : we began and ended 
in much peace and iQvp, being all resolved, not to do the 
work of the Lord so lightly. Sunday 3, we had a larger 
congregation than ever at St. Patrick's, where many of 
pur brethren found such a blessing, that they will not easily 
be so prejudiced against the church, as they were in time 
past. 

Wednesday 6, We concluded our Conference. I re- 
member few such Conferences, either ia England or Ireland ; 
so perfectly unanimous were all the preachers, and so deter- 
mined to give themselves up to God. 

Sunday 10, I went on board the Prince of Wales, one of 
the neatest ships I ever was in. We left the work of God 
increasing in every part of the kingdc^ more than it has 
done^for many years. About.two in tl#mornidg we sailed 
but of Dublin*Bay , and came into Holyhead-Bay before one 
in the afternoon on Monday 11 ; that evening we went on to 
Gwendy; Tuesday 12 to Kimmel, one of the pleasantest 
inns in Wales; surrounded with gardens and stately woods, 
which; their late proprietor must see no more ! Wednes- 
day 13, we reached Chester. After preaching there between 
five and six in the evening, I stepped into the stage coach, 
which was just setting out, and travelling day and night, 
was brought safe to London on Friday 15, in the afternoon] 
Sunday 17, I preached both morning and evening on the 
education of children. I now spoke chiefly to the parents, 
informing them that I designed to speak to the children at 
five the next morning. 

' Monday 18, At five, not only the morning chapel was weU 
filled, but many stood in the large chapel; I trust they did 
not come in vain. The rest of the week I was fully employ- 
ed in writing for the Magazine, and preparing for the Con^- 
ference. Sunday 24, I preached at West-street, morning 
and afternoon : when both the largeness and earnestness of 
the congregation gave me. a comfortable hope of a blessing 
at the .ensuing , Conference. Tuesday 26, our CoRference 
began, at which abpirt ji^uf^vty pre^tchers were pjresent whoni 



38 REV. JOHN WSSLET's JOURNAL. [AUG. 1786^. 

I had invited by name. One consequence of this was^ that 
we had no contention or altercation at aU, but every thing 
proposed was calmly considered , and determined as we 
judged would be most for the glory of God. 

Monday, August I, Having, with a few select jfriends, 
weighed the matter thoroughly, I yielded to their judgment, 
and set apart three of our well-tried preachers, John Pfetwson^ 
Thomas Hanby, and Joseph Taylor, to minister in Scotland; 
And I trust God will bless their ministrations, and shew that 
he has sent them. Wednesday 3, our peaeeAil Conference 
ended, the God of power having presided over all our con* 
iultations. 

Sunday 7, After preaching in the morning at West-street, 
irnd in the afternoon at the new chapel, I took a solemh 
Jeave of the society^ and on Monday 8, went in the dili* 
gence to PortsmoutlfK]!ommon. Here I found a lively, and 
consequently an increasing society. Tuesday 9, I crossed 
over to the Isle of Wight : here also the work of Grod pros* 
pers : * we had a comfortable time at Newport, where is a 
very teachable, though uncommonly elegant, congregation, 
Wednesday 10, we took a walk to the poor remains of Cs^ 
risbrook-castle. It seems to have been once exceedingly 
strong, standing on a steep ascent : but even what little of 
it is left is now swiftly running to ruin. The window indeed 
through which King Charles attempted to make his escape 
is still in being, and brought to my mind that whole train 
of occurrences, wherein the hand of Grod was so eminently 
<8een. 

Thursday 11, About noon I preached in a little court, in 
the town of Portsmouth. The people were all attention : so 
there was a much larger congregation in the evening, in 
St. Greorge^s-square. Surely, after all the stumbling-blobs' 
which have been thrown in the way, God will have many 
^ouls in this place. 

Friday 12, I preached at Winchester ; and on Satur* 
day 13, went on to Salisbury. As Captain Webb had just 
been there, I endeavoured to avail myself of the fire which 
he seldom fails to kindle. T}ie ccuigreiEGitioQ in the ev^a* 



AUG. 1785.] AEV* JOBH WESLBT's JOURNAL. , 39 

in^ was very lai^, and seemed to be deeply affected ; so 
they did again at eiglit on Sunday morning, but I believe 
the greatest blessing was in the evening; particularly during 
the prayer, wherein God was pleased to move many in an 
uncommon manner. 

Monday 15, I preached in Shaflsbury at nine, to such a 
congregation as I had not seen there before. I was glad to 
see among them the gentleman who, thirty years ago, sent 
bis officer to discharge me from preaching in his borough. 
About two I preached at Castle-Cary, to as many as could 
well hear. And I believe there were very few who did not 
feel that God was with us. 

In the evening I preached at Shepton-Mallet, but ,the 
house would not near contain the congfegation. For many, 
years this society was remarkably 4g^; but it is now one 
of the liveliest in England. |p 

Tuesday 16, We went on to Taunton, where I expected 
little good : but I was agreeably disappointed : the house 
was thoroughly filled : a solemn awe sat upon the whole 
congregation, and God spoke to their hearts. The house 
was nearly^ filled at five in the morning, a sight never seen 
^ere before. Wednesday 17, Collumpton-house was mpre 
than filled, many being constrained to go away. And I found 
uncommon liberty of speech here, as well as at Exeter. in 
the evening. 

Thursday 18, I had a pleasant journey to Plymouth- 
Dock, the rain having but just laid the dust« The late sepa* 
ration here seems to have done little hurt; a few turbulent 
men have left us, but men of a more quiet spirit are con- 
tinually add^ in their stead : so that on. the whole we ^xo 
gainers by pur loss. Such is the wisdom of God ! / , 

Friday 19, In the evening I preached in the new house at 
Plymouth : this also was well filled. Sunday 21, 1 preached 
at the dock at seven, and the house contained us pretty well ; 
but in the evening, it was thought, as many went away as 
got in. After preaching, I gave them a plain account of 
the b^inning and progress of that great work of God^ vuU 
garly called Methodism, 



\ 



40 RBY. JOHN WE8LEY*<S JOVANAL. [AUG. 1785* 

Monday S3, I took a cheerfnl leateof our brethren at tlie 
dock) leaving them well united together; and on the fol- 
lowing days preached at Lescaid, St. Austle, Strieker, (a 
new place near it,) Hdston, Morazian, and Penzance. 

Thursday 25, About nine I preached at Mousehole, where 
there is now one of the liveliest societies in Cornwall. Hence 
we went to the Land's End, in order to which we clambered 
down the rocks to the very edge of the water. And I cannot 
think but the sea has gained some hundreds of yards since 
I was here forty years ago. In the evening 1 preached at 
St. Jttsf, where are still many of our eldest brethren, although 
many are gone to Abraham's bosom. 

Friday 26, In the evening I preached in the market-place 
at St. Ives, to almost the whole town. This was the first 
place in Cornwall whi^re we preached, and where Satan 
fought fiercely for hflllkingdom; but now all is peace. I 
found old John Nance had rested from his labours. Some 
months sincef, sitting behind the preacher in the pulpit, he 
sunk down, was carried out and fell asleep ! 

Saturday 27, About nine I preached at the copper- works, 
near the Hale, in the new preaching-house. I suppose such 
another is not in England nor in Europe, nor in the world : 
it is round, and all the walls are brass ; that is, brazen slugs. 
It seems nothing can destroy this till heaven and earth pass 
away. 

At two the stewards of all the societies met at Redruth. 
There is nothing but peace and love among them, and among 
the societies from whence they came, and yet no great 
increase ! 

inAt our love-feast in the evening, several of our friends de- 
clared, how God had saved them from inbred sin, with 
such exactness, both of sentiment and language, as clearly 
shewed they were taught of God. 

Sunday 28, At half past eight I preached at St. Agnes, to 
the largest congregation I ever saw there. Between one and 
two I preached in the street at Redruth to thousands upon 
thousands : and my strength was as my need ; yet I was 
afraid, lest I should not be able to make nil those hear that 



8JEFT. 1785.] HBV. JOHN tirjtSLEY's JOUAffAl#» 41 

a3sembled. in the evening. Bat, though it was supposed, 
there were two or three thousand more thaii ever were there 
before, yet they heard, (I. was afterwards informed) to the 
very skirts of the congr^ation, while I applied those solenni 
words. One thing is needful. 

Wednesday S{, I preached at Launceston : September I, 
in the market-place at Tiverton ; and on Friday S, opened 
tlie little preaching-house at Wallington. At noon I preach* 
ed in an ancient, venerable building, once belonging to ai 
Lord Chief Justice. It is odly called Cat-hanger. Having 
a stupid people to deal with, I spoke exceedingly plain. 
And I think many of them, even Somersetshire farmers, fett 
as well as heard. Thence we went on (o Ditchet : the peo^ 
pie here are all attention ; so that I had nothing to do bu4 
apply the promises. The society is o^tinually increasing, 
and more and more of the hearers arWonvinced and justi- 
fied. What is the strangest thing is, there is no opposer in 
the town, but rich and poor all acknowledge the work of 
God, Saturday 3, in the afternoon the good providence of 
God brought us once more well to Bristol. 

Sunday 4, Finding a report had been spread abroad, that 
I was just going to leave the church, to satisfy those that 
were grieved concerning it, I openly declared in the even- 
ing, that I had now no more thought oi separating from the 
church, than I had forty years ago. 

Tuesday 6, I preached at Paullon and Coleford ; Wed- 
nesday 7, in an open place, near the road at Mells : just as 
1 began, a wasp, though unprovoked, stung me upon the 
lip : I was afraid it Would swell so as to hinder my speak* 
ing; but it did not. I spoke distinctly nearly two hours .u|: 
all, and was no worse for it. In the evening 1 preached witn 
much satisfaction at Frome, to a mixed multitude of rich 
and poor; and afterwards strongly exhorted them that had 
believed to walk in love, after the example of our great 
Master. 

On Thursday I preached at Trowbridge, and on Friday 
at Bradford, where the work of God has much increase^ 
lately : indeed it has increased this y^r through the, whol^ 




43 ; WEV. JOHN WESLEY*8 JOURNAL. [sEPT/ 1785. 

Circuity as it has not done for twenty years before. On Sa- 
turday evening I preached at Bath. Sunday II, Mr. Brad-^ 
burn preached at seven, and Mr. Collins about two in the 
afternoon. I began the service at eleven, and preached on 
part of the epistle, Ephesians iii. 14, &c. Both then and 
in the evening the word distilled as the dew, and as the ram. 
en the tender herb. 

Tuesday 13, I preached at Stoke, and in the evening at 
Pensford, where, I fe^r, after all the pains we have taken, 
the generality of the people know just as much of religion as 
the Hottentots. Wednesday 14, I preached in the evening 
in Temple-church, on Psalm Ixxiv. 14. In the old transla* 
tion it runs, The help that is done upon earthy God doth it 
himself. (A glorious and important truth !) In the new. 
Working salvation i» the midst of the earth. What a 
wonderful emendatidlff Many such emendations there are in 
this translation : one would think King James had made 
them himself. . 

. Thursday 15, I went over to Hannam once more, and saw 
poor disconsolate Louisa, still wrapping herself up naked in 
her blanket, and not caring to speak to any one : the late 
pretty tale of her being the Emperor's daughter, is doubtless 
a mere catch-penny ; and her four and twenty examinations 
are as credible as Mahomet's journey through seventy thoa*^ 
sand heavens. 

' Sunday 18, I read prayers and preached at the new room 
in the morning, at two under the sycamore in Kingswood, 
and at five near King's-square in Bristol. In the f<dIowing 
week I visited the classes, and was amazed to. find there is 
ao increase in the society, considering what able and diligent 
preachers they have had the last year! 

Tuesday 27, I visited the little flock at Amesbury, hum- 
ble, simple, and much devoted to God. Friday SO, about 
eleven I preached in the church at Midsummer-Norton, to 
a numerous congregation. The curate (Mr. Sims) read 
prayers for me, and read them admirably well. About five 
I began at Ditchet; where it rained almost all the time I 
preached : but this did not much lessen the congregation ; 



OCT. 1785.] BEv. jomr wESLsr's ioitrnal; |S 

indeed all of this town^ hardly one excited, seetA tO'ImT<> 
a liking to the truth. : . 

Saturday, October 1,-1 preached at Shepton to a crowded 
audience. In the evening I preached at Weaver's-Hall, to 
such a congregation as I had not seen there for many years. 
Sunday S, after reading prayers and preaching, I admini- 
stered the sacrament to many hundred communicants. We 
then solemnly renewed our covenant with God. And while 
we solemnly avouched him to be our God, I believe many 
felt with holy, humble joy, that he avouched us to be his 
people : at four we went into the mail coach. At twelve, it 
being exceedingly dark, the wheel of a waggon touched 
ours, and the coach was over in a moment, but just on the 
spot were some rails which stopped it, so that it did not fall 
to the ground; so that it was easUjrfet right again without 
any hurt to man or beast. About mhn we reached Hyd^ 
Park corner, and the new chapel at eight. Tuesday 4, I 
made a little excursion into Hertfordshire, and on Friday 7, 
returned to London. 

Monday 10, Setting out for Oxfordshire, I preached at 
Wallingford in the evening, and at five in the morning. I 
preached in Oxford at noon, and in the evening at Witney, 
where the power of^God used to be eminently present. 

Thursday IS, Returning to Oxford, I once more sur- 
veyed many of the gardens and delightful walks. What is 
wanting but the love of God to make this place an earthly 
paradise ? I preached in the evening to a very serious audi« 
ence; as also the next evening at High- Wycombe. In all 
this circuit the work of God appears both to widen and to 
deepen. 'ijj- 

Saturday 15, I returned to London. Sunday 16, at nine 
in the evening I set out for Norwich. Tuesday 18, and the 
following days, I visited Yarmouth and the mother parts of 
fhe circuit. 

Saturday 39, I returned to Norwich, and in the evening 
qioke home to an uncommonly large congr^ation, tellings 
ihem, << Of all the people I have seen in the kingdom, for 
between forty and fifty yeai9, you bave been the mett fickle^ 



41 BBV., JQHN Wesley's journal, [not. 1785* 

and yet the most. stubborn." However, our labonr has hot 
been lost, for many have died in peace. And God is able to 
say to the residue of thesie dry bones, ^^ Live !*' Sunday 23, 
I administered the Lord's-Supper to about a hundred and 
$i^ty communicants. 

Tuesday 25, I crossed over to Lynn, which has been of a 
I6ng season a cold and comfortless place: but the scene i» 
now entirely changed. Two yoimg, zealous, active preachers, 
strongly urging the people to expect a full and present saU 
yation, have enlivened both the society and the congrega- 
tion : but the difficulty was, how to get io London. No 
coach set out till Fiiday morning, nor got in before Satur* 
dp.y ^ight: so I took a post-chaise after preaching, and 
reached Downham between ten and eleveil. But here we 
Wjere iiif0rmed, that in sp dark a night we could not travel 
ovf^r Ely road, which jmn between two banks, across which 
are many bridges, where the coachman must drive to an 
inch; but we knew in whom we trusted, and pushed for- 
ward till about one on Thursday we reached London. 

Monday 31, I s^t out for Northamptonshire, and in the 
afternoon came to Luton. For many years I lodged at 
Mr. Cole's in Luton; but he was now gone to bis long home. 
The room prepared for me now was very large and very 
cold, and had no fire-place in it. After dinner I called upon 
Mr. Hampson, the lawyer, who had made Mr. Cole's will. 
He gave me iVith the utmost courtesy, all the information I 
wanted; and afterwards invited me to. lodge at his house, 
which I. willingly did. In the evening the preaching-house 
was thoroughly filled. And we had a blessed season, both 
now and in the morning. 

Tuesday, November], When I came to Northampton, 
the new Presbyterian meeting-house was offered me, twice 
as large as our own. The congregation was numerous and 
deeply attentive. Many attended again in the morning; I 
trust, not without a blessing. Wednesday g, I preached 
at Whittlebury. 

Thursday 3, I met with Peru's Treatise upon the -Gravel 
pd Sp^P,' 1 h^d.long ^sfipposed, that there could' not be in 



NOT. 17S5.] REV. JOHN WESLEY^S joimjrAL. 45 

nature any such thing as a lithontriptic, a medicine that 
could dissolve the stone without dissolvingthe Madder. nBnt 
I am now convinced there is^ no arguing agaknt matter of 
facf • The facts here alledged are too recent to be denied^ 
and too clear to be evaded : therefore I- cannot <Btit earnestly 
advise every oiie that has this dn^dfol distemper totfry wilb^ 
out delay, if he can afford it, ^tfais sovereign remedy, i 'i 

Friday 4, 1 retained to London. ' Simday 6, i preaclisd a 
funeral sermon for that great apd good 'man Mr. t*)etcher^ 
and most of the congregation ielt that God was in:t&c ihidtt 
of them. In the afternoon I buried the remaink-of; Jhdittr 
Perry, a lovely young womiEin,i' snatched awaip^kt ^ightafe : 
but she was ripe for the bridegfobm, and "wehl tameiet hrab 
in the fuir triumph' of faith.' SundaylS, I'preachedJait'. 
Shoreditch-church. ' The cotigr^ation w«(b very jiumierdus^» 
and the collection imtisually large. 't'> ; ^ j: .:;i i,if 

Monday 14, This wedc I nmd Weir again, aodicarffitlljr' 
considered, Mr. Fry's tract u^A Marriage; »^'i wbndebit iir 
not more known, as there iS'nothing oh the'<i9ufaject4ike ft>in: 
the English tongue. : listiUithink he«has piidved^ to a de<^ 
monstration, that no marriages- ^re^foii)iddtMi, eitlieirby^liici 
Law of God or of England, bul>itliose.bf tebtiieh and !ttisteny 
and those in the^.ascending/and'descenditig.ilihbi ^Theriaotii^. 
trary supposition seams' to ibe built wholly in ahnnisititerpfei/ 
tation of that expression in the eighteenth c^baij^ylerbf 'ficvftii* 
cus^,T%ott shalt not uncoroer ^'iJsr jnakedne'^^V^ Butthik'he 
dearly 'ShewB^ doe6'iiot>meari^ 10 marry ^ 'Woman, but ^ to 
deflofiset^Yiexl .'' '--'^ '• • :«' '^"^ '■• ••".'.■ •• ;•■ 

.Sunday ISI, I preiM^hcd in Bethntl-^Green' church, and 
Spoke as-^plai&ly^as^I possibly could, bii Having the farm of 
godliness, but denying the power of it. Ahd this Irj^ud^ed 
to be far more suitable -to' such a- congregation,, than talking 
of justification by fktth.> - ' % J.ji. 

Having 'promised our* friends at Winchester ^to come and 
open their predching*hou^,i vrhen it was ready^ I set out on 
Thursday 24, and plreached'tht^re in the evening toa nume^ 
roug cgngregatioii. . But I^ihkte hot seen a 'people less a^ffect- 
ed; they ileemed>tiiLte meieuitbbliBiand stimes, : howei^^ I 



46" ABV. JOHN Wesley's jodANAiM [dec; 1785; 

bate cast my bnead upon the water : possibly it may be found: 
agtin after many days. On Friday evening we went into 
tbe laasl-cmchy and reached London at eight in the 
Qioniiiigi' ■\ .. . ; 

Sunday 2T, As soon as I had txmckided my sermon at the. 
new chapel, I hastened away to preach at St. Luke's, one of: 
tbe largest parish churches in Xondoiy. It was thoroughly^ 
filkdj as it l^as seveir years ago, /When I preached th^re be- 
finel • Ood enabled tne to speak strong words on the epistle 
fbr Uie day* And I believe some felt that it was now high. 
Umb t4 awake <iut pf sleep. ^ 

' Monday 88,' I wdnt to Canterbury; the jchapd was more 
titan filled^). On Tuesday I found at Dover also a eonsid^-. 
dble increase of the work of God. Wednesday 90, I went: 
oato Margate. Some years since we had a small society 
here, but a local preacher, took" them to himself; only two 
or' three. remained, whio, from. time, to time, pressed our 
preadiefs^to tome again, r And to remove the objection, that 
^^itbere liras no place to preach in;" with tbe help of a few< 
friends they built a convenient preaching-house. Thursday 
I opened it in the evening ; .the congregation was large, and 
perfecfly well behaved. And I cannot bat hope^ tiiat afiei; 
all the -stumbling«blocks there will be a people heie^ who: 
wiU;imiibrmly adorn the gospel of Christ. On Friday I re^i 
turned to London* 

Monday, D.ecembar 5, And so the whole week, I spent 
every hour 1 could spare in the unpleasing, but ileceteary» 
work of going through the town, and begging for the poor 
men who had been employed in finishing the new dhapd. 
It is true, I am not oUiged to do this ; but, if. I do it not, 
BO body else will. 

Sunday 11, I strongly ^iforcod St. James's beautiful de«T 
scription of the wisdom from above^ How hard is it to fix 
even on serious hearers^ a lasting sense of the nature of true 
religion I Let it be right opinions, right mode» of worship,; 
or any thing, rather than right tempers! 

Thursday SS, I preached at Uighgate. . Considering how 
mi^ificent a place thisiisy I do.iiot. wonder, sa little, good 



JAN. 1786. J Rsv. JOHN Wesley's joitrnal« 4T 

has beai done here. For what has religion to do with 
palaces? 

, Sunday 25, Being Christmas-Day, I preached at th^ 
new chapel early in the morning, and in the craning; about 
deven at West«street« Monday 86, I bapfeed a young 
woman brought up an .Anabaptist : and Grod bore witness to 
his ordinance, filling her heart, at the yery time, with peace 
and joy unspeakable. 

This week I endeavoured to point out the Erata in the 
eight volumes of the Arminian. Magazine. This must be 
done by me; otherwise, several passages therein will b^ 
unintelligible. V* 

Sunday, January 1, 1786, We begati that solemn ser« 
vice, the -renewing of our covenant with God, not in the 
evening as heretofore, but at three in* the aAemooii, (As^more 
convenient for the generality of the people. And G^od was 
with us of a truth. ^ 

. Monday 9, At leisure hours this week I read the life of 
Sir William Penn, a wise and good man. But I was much 
surprised at wimt he relates concerning his first wife, who 
liv^ I suppose, fifty years, and said a little iiidore her 
death, ^^ I bless God I never did any thing wroi^tin ra^ 
life !" Was she then ever convinced of sin ? And if not^ 
could' she be saved on any other footing than a heathen ?<. ' 

Tuesday 24, I was desired to go and hear the Kiog de^ 
liver his speech in the House of Lords; but how agreea3i)ly 
was I surprised : he pronounced every word with exaqt pro- 
priety. I much doubt whether there be any other king in 
Europe that is so just and natural a speaker. 

Tuesday 31, 1 had a more particular account of Joseph 
Lee than ever 1 bad before. When I went first to Newcastle* 
upon-Lyme, I chose him, being a man full of faith and 
love, to be one of the leaders, steward of the society, and 
caterer foir our family. He discharged his trust with the ut- 
most ability and integrity. He walked humbly and closely 
with God, and wa$ a pattern to all the town, as well as to 
all the society*. But after some time he was persuaded to 
quit Newcastle, and settle at Nottingham. There he fcdl 



18 iiEv. JOHN Wesley's journal, [feb. 1786; 

among Antinomians, and truisting in his own strengtb, gra« 
dually sucked in their opinion, grew less and less strict, and 
lost first the power, and then the verj form of religion. 
After he had Uved some years openly and avowedly withoirf 
Crod in the liPbrld, while he was one evening quite merry 
with his jovial companions, one of ^them said, ^^ Wfay^ 
Mr. Lee, you were once very godly tjrou were one of thoee 
mad Methodists !" He answered not a word, but leaned his 
arm on the table and died. 

Sunday, February 5, In. the morning, while I wite apply- 
ing at the new chapel that solemn declaration. The Lard^s 
hand is not shortened that he cannot save^ nor is his ear 
waxed heacy^ that he cannot hear j he did indeed speak 
aloud by his word,. so> that the stout<*hearted trembled. I 
broke out into prayer: Ihe power of God came mightily 
upon us', and theiris was a general cry : but the voice of two 
persons prevailed over all the rest. One. praying, and the 
other shrieking as in the agonies of dedth. God relieved 
the former in $k few. minutes ; the other, not till evening. 
: ' Thjs week^ in travelling, I read over Dr. Stuart's History 
of 'Scottaod. He is a writer indeed ! As far above Dr. Ro- 
bertscm as Dr. Robertson is above Oldmison. He proves 
beyond -all possibility of doubt, that the charges against 
Qu^mMary were totally groundless; that she was betrayed 
basely by her own servants, from the beginning to the end : 
and that she was not only one of the best princesses then in 
Europe, but one of the most blameless, yea, and the most 
pious women ! 

IVtonday 13, I went to Mitcham, and found a little com* 
pany just started up, who were all on fire for Grod. The 
house being too small, I preached at the front of a house 
adjoining to the road, where the earnestness of the people 
made amends for the keenness of the north wind. 
- Sunday 19, I preached in Horsleydown^church, where, 
to my no small surprise, no man, woman, or child, seemed 
to know me, either by face or by name ! But before I had 
done, many of the numerous congregation knew that God 
was there of a truth. 



V VESLBr B JOURNAL. 49 

Inst visit to tbat Saint of God, 

.. cancer in her breast, in continual 

, paia anddealfa. 

^'inn leave of the cdDgregation at 

-Ireet, and at Brentford. Mon- 

Vewbuiy, with liltle interruplion 

a comfortable opportunity, with 

'^ioD. But I have not passed 

Xy years, ray lodging-room being 

- 1 air. 1 could not sleep at all till 

" "ise at four and set out at five ; but 

'ic night, lay so deep, it was with 

■•(-hcd Chippenham. Taking fresh 

nn to Bath, and found a larger con- 

1 be expected. 

I had appointed to preach in 

3 could not get thither till half 

cached without delay; and in the 

if ath! where is tky sting? Ograve! 

\ fterwards I visited one, who could 

I bear with me an experimental 
of the presence of the ever-blessed 

I I went over to Kingswood, and 
Rellent order, 
layers and preached, and administered 

'. Sve hundred communicants. At 

mple church, and at five in the new 

ilized a young negro, who appeared 

«nd much affected, as indeed did the 

^. Saturday 11,1 rode over to Churcfaill, 

Bristol, where Dr. Barry read 

1 to a serious congregation. 

Bristol, taking Mr. Bradburn with me, 

B of place and of objects would be a 

I mind, deeply affected with the loss of 

:) tlie evening I preach^ at Stroud : Tues- 

) Pninswick, wilh uncommon liberty ; and 

Gloucester. I preached in the old charcb 

E 



50 RBT. JfOHK WESZiET'fl JQUBITAL. [if AtCSB 1786. 

(now vanished away) belonging to St. Bartholomew's ho^i- 
tal, which I think was very considerably larger than the new^ 
chapel in London, a 

Wednesdi^lS, Much snow fell in the night, and quite 
blocked up the road: yet, with ^i«e difficulty, we got 
through (o Tewksbury, where f preacAed at nooni- Abun- 
dance of 8now likewise fell in the aflernoon, but we pushed 
through it to Worcester. Thursday 16, it was not without 
some difficulty, that we made our way through the snow to 
Bewdley. Prejudice is here now vanished away. The life of 
Mr. Clark turned the tide; and much more his glorious 
death. I preached about noon, and at Worcester in the 
evening, where we had an uncommon blessing while I was 
enforcing, Thou shall have no other gods before me* 

Friday 17, At eleven I preached at Bengeworth, and again 
at si^ in the evening; I believe, not without effect. Satur- 
day 18, I went on straight to Birmingham. Sunday 19, a 
large congregation attended in the morning. At ten I went 
to Saint Mary's, where the curate preached an admirable, 
sermon. At five the preaching-house would not nearly con? 
tain the congregation. * Afterwards I acUninistered the LordV 
Supper to about five hundred communicants. 

Monday 20, I met the select society, most of whom are 
clearly perfected in love. Tuesday 21, at three in the af- 
ternoon I preached at Quinton, in the new prcaching-housey 
and in the evening at Birmingham. To-day I read Dn 
Withering's Treatise on Foxglove. He says, it frequently 
cures epilepsies, palsies, insanity, consumption3, and severnt 
other diseases. Sunday 26, the church at Madele^i as usual^ 
was far too small to contain the congregation. 

I preached on Rev. xiv. 1 — 7, and exhorted the congr^* 
gation io cherish that divine ambition of lieing found fault- 
less before God. We had another large congregation in the 
afternoon, and all serious as death. I spent the evening at a 
neighbouring gentleman's house, in close conversation firoia 
the beginning to the end. 

Monday 27, In the morning I preached at Coalbrook- 
dale, on Isaiah Ixvi. 8, 9: and in the evening in Made* 



AlfWLtt 1786;] BET. JOHN weslbt's jottbnal. 51 

ley chitrGih9 on John xiv. 93. The church was thoroughly 
filled ; and God resenred the great blessing for the last. We 
IfBd a glorious opportunity. He poured the dew of his bles- 
ring on. nuuiy souls, and Caused many mourmrs to rejoice 
with joy unspeakable. 

Tuesday 1^, AfW* calling at Sberiff-Hales, and giving 
fliem a «li0ft exhortation, I hastened to Stated, and found 
the congregation waiting. I strongly enforced upon them. 
The 'kingdom of God is ai-hand; and then went on to Lane* 
End. It was past seven, and the wind was piercingly cold : 
however, I was constrained id preach abroad; and none of 
us seemed to regard the weather, for God warmed our 
hearts. 

Wednesday 39, We came to our old steady friends at 
Borslem: but he, with whom I used to lodge, is no more 
seen: he trusted the Americans with all his substance, and 
they cheated him out of all : so he came home and died, 
leaving an amiable widow, and six or seven children. 

Gold as it was, the multitude of people constrained me to 
preach abroad : but I believe none went away. I preached 
<»i Truly y our fellowship is with the Father y and with his 
Son Jesus Christ. We have scarcely seen such a time 
since we came from London. The place seemed to be filled 
with his glory. 

After visiting Newcastle and Congleton, on Saturday^ 
April 1, I came to Macclesfield. Here again I had the sa- 
tisfaction to find a people much alive to God. Sunday 2, 
we had a large and serious congregation at the new churchy 
both morwipg and aflemoon. The organ is one of the finest 
toned I ev^ heard, and the congregation singing with it, 
makes a sweet harmony. 

Monday S, About eleven I preached to a crowded con- 
gregation in the hew house near Chapel-in-le-Frith. Many 
of these lively people came from among the mountains, and 
strongly reminded me of those tine verses, wherein Dr. Bur- 
ton paraphrases those plain words, 7%e hills are a refuge 
fot ' the wHd goats J and so are the stony rocks for the 
cotijef . 

E 8 



/ 



52 jiBV. JOHN Wesley's journal, [april 1786; 

^^ Te, domine, intonsi monies, te saxa loquuntur 
Summa deum, dum amat juga pendulus hircus, 
Saxorumque colit latebrosa cuniculus antra." - ;^ 

It is chiefly amojig these eoonnous mountains, that so* 
many have been awakened, justified, and soon after perfected 
in love. But even while they are full irf love,. Satan strives 
to push many of them to extravagance. This appears in 
several instances : 1, Frequently three or four, yea, ten or 
twelve, pray aloud all together. 2, Some of them, pdrhaps 
many, scream all together as loud as they possibly ctui. 
3, Some of them use improper,, yea, indecent expressions in 
prayer. 4, Several drop down as dead, and are as stiff as ai 
corpse; but in a while they start up, and cry, Glory ! Glory! 
perhaps twenty times together. Just so did the French pro- 
phets, and very lately the Jumpers in Wales, bring the real 
work into contempt. Yet whenever we reprove them, it 

should be in the most mild and. gentle manner possible. ^ 

Tuesday 5, In the evening I preached to a lovely congrega- 
tion at Stockport. Friday 5, I went on as swiftly as I could 
through Manchester, Wigan^ and Bolton. Sunday 16, 
(Easter-day) I crossed over to Warrington, where, having read 
prayer^, preached, and administered the Lord's-Supper, I 
hastened back to Bolton. The house was crowded the more, 
because bf five hundred and fifty children, who are taught in 
our Sunday-schools: such an army of them got about me 
when I camie out of the chapel, that I could scarcely dis- 
engage myself from them. > ' r-: ■ ■ . : 
Monday 17, I went on to Blackburn, which was suffi- 
ciently crowded, it'being the fair-day. No hoxim would 
contain the people ; sol stood abroad and expoimfod that 
awful scripture, / saw the deadj small and greaty stand 
before God,^ All were still as night, unless when they sung. - 
T^en their voices were ^the sound of many waters. 

Tuesday 18, 1 preached at ^addiham, Burnly, Soutbfield, 
and,jGpln^^ Thursday ;20, I went to Otley, and found God 
was there, both in the evening and morning service. Friday 
21, I preached at, Yea.don, where the work of God is rapidly 
going forward. Such a company of Ipving children I have 



may; 1786.] hev. john wesley's jouenal. 53 

no wUere seen, but at Oldham, near Manchester. Sunday 
23^ I preached in Haworth church in the morning, and 
Bingley' church in the afternoon ; but as there were many 
imndreds that could not get in, Mr. Atraore preached abroad - 
at the same time. In the evening I preached to a huge muU 
litude at Bradforth. Surely the people of this town are 
highly iayoured, haying both a vifcar and a curate that 
pfeach the truth. 

• Monday 24, I preached at Halifax : Tuesday 25, at iefr, 
in Heptonstall church (the ugliest I know) and in the after- 
noon at Todmorden «hurch. How changed are both the 
pdace and' the people since I saw them first. "Lo! thesmil- 
ing fields are glad ! And the human satages are tame ! ** ' 

Thursday 27, I preached at Greatland at ten, and at 
Huddersfield in the evening. 'Friday 28, I preached at 
Lbngwood-house, the owners of which are a blessing to all 
the poor, both in spirituals and temporals. Saturday 2^, the 
wind drove us in the evening into the Gloth-hall, in Gildier- 
soraie, -where I expounded and applied, The things that are 
seen are' temporal \ but the things that are not seen are 
eternal! • 

r 

Sunday 30, 1 pteacKed in the nBlr house at Dewsbuiy, as I 
had intended. I eduld not preach abroad at Birstal at noon 
because of the boisterous wind. I j^t tome shelter from H at 
Wakefield, while I applied those words in oneof thePsal^sfor 
the day, He healeth them that^ are broken in hearty aniSgiveth 
medicine fiff heal their sickness. On Monday, May 1, and 
Tuesday^ 1 preached at Leeds : on Wednesday, at the church' 
at Horsefi)rth, with a remarkable blessing. Thurs.4, preach- 
ing at TtfRcaster in the way, in the evening I preached at 
York. Sunday 7, in the morning I preached in St. Saviour's 
church, thoroughly filled with serious hearers : and in the 
afternoon at St. Margaret's, which was over-filled, many be- 
ing constrained to go away. We had a love-feast in the 
evening, at which many artlessly testified what Grod hatT^^'^ 
done for their soiils. I have not for many years known thi^ 
society in so prosperous a condition. This is undoubtedly 
owing first to the exact discipline, which has for some timQ 



£4 RBV. JOHN Wesley's jouanal. [kat 1786. 

been observed amc»ig them ; and next, to the strongly and 
continually exhorting the believers to.go <m to perfection. 

Mondays, I preached about one in the new house lit 
Easingwood, and in the evening at Thirsk. Tuesday Sj I 
went on to Richmond. I alighted, according to his own de- 
sire, at Archdeacon Blackburn's house. How lively and 
active was he some years ago ! I find he is two years youiq;er 
than I ; but he is now a mere old man, being boUi '-Uoid^ 
and deaf, and lame ! Who maketh &ee to differ ? Hedunt 
not ask me to preach in his church, ^^ fx fear acmidbody 
should be offended : " so I preached at the head t)f tte 
street, to a niunerous congregation ; all of whom< stood as 
stUI^ (although it rained all the time) and behaved aameH as 
if we had been in the church. 

Thursday 11,. I rode through a lovely country to Bap- 
nardcastte, and found much life in ibe congrc^tion. Fridajr 
II, about noon, we came to Appldby, the county town <)f 
pumherland. A very large room beiDg psovided, I fipeacfaod 
Wi^b.mqch liberty, and then dbeerfnlly went on to Penrith. 
,..J|[n my way hither I looked over Lord Bacon- » ten centu* 
ries of experiments : many of them are extremely YHirioua^ 
and many may be high^ usefuU AHerwafds I fead Dr. 
Andeison's account of theHebrides. |Iow accnniteaiid sen- 
sible a writer ! but how clearly does he fhew, thai throngii 
the ill-judged salt, the herring-fishery these,. which' mights 
of great advantage,, is ;sp effectually degtroy^ tbatthe king's 
revenue tficarefrom is aqnihjyiated, yea, that iymnemUy, 
at least firequently, tunis out some thousasnds <if foVm woitie 
than nothing ! . ti 

Friday 13, 1 preached at Carlisle, and SaiwUtjmBf after 
along day's journey, at Glasgow. After fipewfing. thriee 
days here fully employed, on Wednesday 17^ we went on to 
Edinburgh. Here likewise I had much and pleasant worik. 
On Friday 19, I went forward to Dundee, aiid.on Saterday 
SO, to Arbroath, where I spent the Lord's day in ihe lionl^ 
work. 

Monday SS, Having a long day's journey befiive HS, ive 
set out at half past three, so we came early to AteidDeD. 



XAV 1786.} SBY* JOHN WESLEY'S JOUItWAL. ftS 

Wednesday 24, we had an exceedingly solenin partings as I 
reminded tlieni, tliat we could hardly eipect to see each 
oCher*8 face any more till we met ia Abraham's bosom. 

Thursday 25, We set out early ; but when we came to 
Bervey, the inn was full : there was no room for man or 
beast ; so we \vere constrained to go a double stage, to Mbn« 
trose. But the storm was so high, we could not pass for 
several hours. However, we reached Arbroath soon after bix, 
and a large congregation was deeply attentive, while I ap- 
plied, To him that hath shall be given; put from him that 
hath not shall be taken awaj/^ even what he assuredly hath* 
The storm was still so high, that unless we set out at night, 
we could not pass till nine in the morning : so we went on 
board at eleven. * The wind was then so strong that the boat 
could scarcely keep above water. However, our great Pilot 
brought us safe to land, between one and two in the morning. 
Saturday 27, about three we came to the new inn, and rested 
'till between six and seven : thence going gently on to King- 
bom, we had a pleasant passage to Leith. After preaching, 
I walked to my lovely lodging at Coates, and found rest was 
sweet. 

Sunday 28, 1 preached iirst'|||mir own house, and'at noon 
on the Castle-hill. I never saw Such a congregation there 
before. The chair was placed just opposite to the sun : but 
I soon forgot it, while I expounded those words, Isau> the 
deadj small and great, stand before God. In the evening 
the wb^ audience seemed to feel, Without tSoHness no man 
shall s^^he Lord. 

Tuesday SO, I had the happiness of conversing with the 
Earl dPH— -»- and his Lady, at Dunbar. I coukl not but 
observe both the easiness of his behaviour, (such as we find 
in all the Scottish nobility) and the finene^ of his appear- 
ance, greatly set off by a milk-white head of hair. Wed- 
nesday SI, I took a view of the stupendous bridge, about ten 
miles from Dunbar, which is thrown over the deep glen that 
Tuns between the two mountains commonly called the Peas. 
I doubt whether Le^is the XI V^th ever raised such a bridge 
m thfa. 



ji6 BBY.'JOHN Wesley's JOURNAL. [JUHS 178& 

In the eveniiig I preached at Berwick-upon-Tweed. 
•Thursday/ June ly at Alnwick. Friday 3^ I was desired to 
lay the first stone of the preaching-house there. A very large^ 
Oongregation attending, we spent some tini(3 on the spot in 
folenm prayer^ and singing praise to God. About noon I 
preached in the- Town-hall at Morpeth i in the . evei>ing at 
•Newcastle*. How different is the spirit of this congregation 
^toi that of most of thdse I have seen lately ! 

Whit-Sunday, June 4, I preachedat eight to an amazing 
congregation, at the Ballast^hill ; but doubled by that of 
the Fell, in thc^ afternoon. But it was supposed that 
>t the Garth-heads in the evening was as large as both 
together. On Monday and Tuesday the congregations were 
larger than I ever remember. Wednesday 7, at five we had a 
sqlenm parting. About noon I preached at North-Shields, 
in A tent erected near the town, to. a very numerous congre- 
gation. In the evening I preached at Sunderland. About 
. eleven on Fciday, I preached in the church at Monkwear- 
mouth, on thq^ words in thfr second lesson. If thou canst 
helicoe^ all things are possible to him that beUeoeth, Friday 
19, 1 preached at Durham about eleven, and in the evening 
.#it Hartlepool. I preached|[^ th0 Town-hall, where many 
appeared to be very deeply affected. .Surely the seed will 
:^pring up at last even here, where we seemed so long to 
be ploughing on the sand. ^ 

Saturday 10, 1 went to Darlington. Since I was here last, 
Mr. — ^ dfflf, and left many thousands of pounds ip ian idle 
s))endtbrift, but not one groat to the poor ! O unwflb steward 
of the mammon of unrighteousness ! How much better for 
him, had he died a beggar. Sunday 11,1 was obUpil in the 
' evening to preach abroad. Aftarward we had a love-feast, at 
which many plain people spoke the height and depth of, 
christian experience, in the most plain and artless manner. 

Monday 12, We found still at Stockton much frnit of 

S. Brisco's labours among the children. I preached here at 

. noon, and at Yarm in the evening. Tuesday 13, the preach- 

iing-house at Hutton Rudby isras well filled at nine. When 

t came to Gisborough, where I had no thought of pr(3aching| 



•• • 
/UNE 1786.1 B^y. JOHN WESLEY*S JOURNAL. .SU 

• ■ mm ^ • -. ♦ ■ t 

I found the congr^ation* waiting ; so I began without delay, 
and it was a time of love. We had a wann . ride in the 
afteriloon to Whitby, where it has picked God fully to make 
up the rempy^ of William Ripley, who was for many years 
a burning and a shining light. , In the evening the bouse 
was well filled with peofde ajad with the. po^pij of God. 
And after, preaching four t^mes, 1 was m- |more ^^ir^ than 
when I rose in the morning. ; . . • i*; 

Thursday 15, 1 found the work of God i^t Scs^rborpugh 
more lively 4han it had been for many years. Friday 16, in 
the evening 1 preached at Bridlington-key, tq . a numerous 
congregation. Saturday 17, J found Mr. Park^ at Beverley 
in a palace,. The gentlefuan- that owned Jt being gone 
abroad, it was let at a moderate rent. I preached here at 
twelve: about four at Newlanids, . and at seven in Hull. 
Sunday 18, 1 was invited by the vicar to preach in .the High 
Church, one of the largest parish churches in England. I 
preached on the gospel for the day, the story of .Dives and 
Lazarus. Being invited to preax^h in the afternoon, the church 
was, if possible^ more crowded than before : apd I pressed 
-home the prc^het's words, Seeh^JLhe Lord mhile he may be 
found : call ^e upon him whjl^- If^ near. Who would have 
expected a few years since, tl^q. see ipe preaching in th^ High 
Church at Hull ? I h^d appdintedto preach ajt Swiafleet ; so 
I went as far as Beverley this evening : and on Monday 19, 
set out early ; but being vehemently importun^^p go round 
.by Maltcnn, I did so, and preached there at nioifr Thence I 
hasted to Pocklington, and finding the people ready, stepped 
out of the chaise, and preached without delay. We reached 
Swinfleetbetwee^ six and seven, having gone in all, seventy 
six miles. A numerous congregation was assembled under 
the shade of the tall trees. Sufficient for this day was the 
labour the]:](H>f. But still I was no more tired than when I 
rose in the morning. Tuesday 20, I preached in Crowle.at 
jioon, and in the evening at Epworth. ^ •. 

Wednesday 21, I preached at Scotter at nine, and at one 
4nBiigg, in an open part of the town. AH. were still as 
^ight i jlhe very bpys wd girls standing as quiet as their 



Ito BET. /ORir WiliLElr'f JOURHAL. [jWrk 1786. 

parents : inde^ At ^eerndd thai the heatCs of all Were is 
inelting ^ax liefdre the Lord. In the evening, the people 
flocking together on "e Very 'side, I vfns constrained to preadi 
in the i!narket-place at Grimsby, where every on^ behaved 
%eU, except the CalVini^ pr^her! Thursday 89, in the 
tir^ning I preached at Lowth. I neter saw this people af- 
fected before. Friday 29, at nitie I preached at l^eatby, 
where many of the people felt that God was with them in an 
uncommon manner* 

having now given a second readiifg to Fingal, rendered 
'bifo heroic verse, I was thoroiTghly convinced, it is one of 
ihe finest epic poems in the English language. Many Of the 
lines are worthy of Mr. Pope: many of the incidents are 
deeply pathetic; and the character of Fingal exceeds any 
in Homer, yea, and Vii^l too. No stich speech comes out 
of his mouth, as 

^^ Sam pius i^Cneas, fama super setbera notus:*' 

No snch thuig in his conduct as the whole Hflhir of Dido is 
in the 'jtrojan hero. Mean time, who is Ewen Cameton ? Is 
It ndt Dr. Blair ? And is Yiot one ^reat part of this publica* 
tioh to aggrandise the dAhtc^ir of the old Highlanders, ks 
brate^ h<»pitable, gipneroiis nten? 

in the evening I preaiched itfk large congregation at Gainis« 
Wough, in Sir Nevil Hickman's yard : but Sir Nevil is no 
more, ah^ljlks left no son ; so the very name of that ancient 
family is I^! And how changed is the house since I was 
young, and good Sir Willoughby Hickman lived here! One 
of ttie towers is said to have l>een built in the reia^ of King 
'Stephen, above six hundred years ago. But it nutttersiiot; 
yet a little while, and the isarth itsiblf, y^iih all the Works^oiT 
it, will b6 burnt up. 

Saturday 24, I preached at ifteiV Itm; l^A'eHirftlrds at 
Newark, one of the hlbsi etej^ht towns in Engi^Ufd; Wd 
in the evening at ReiTordy on J iiaiii the (kdd^ iindlt ^d 
greaty stand before (jod. 

Sunday 25, 1 preached lit JMisteiieoik. I ykiis grieVeft tbttte 
80 small a c6ngi«gatitili ait Riucey-dihrcb : it WaA Mdi'to 



Mwe I9S6.1 rbV. JOHN Mr&LlSY^n >oimirAii. i^ 

"when Mr. Harle lived here. O vrHat a carse in this poor 
land are pluralities and non-residence! Btit these are evils 
that God alone jCan cure. 

About one I preached at Overtborp, ^here the spreading 
trees sheltered both me and the congregation : but we had a 
fer larger at Epwoith, between four and five in the lifter- 
noon. Strrely God will visit this place yet again, ai^d lift 
«p them that are firflen. ^ ^. 

Monday S6, I read prayers and preacbdd in Ownstoh- ^ 
church, thoroughly filled with atteiitive hearers ; ahcl again 
at nine in the morning. Tuesday 27, at one in the afternoon 
I preached at Belton. While I was preaching, three little 
children, the eldest six years old, the youngest two and a 
half, [whom their mother had left at dinner, straggled out, 
and got to the side of a well, which was near the house. 
The youngest leaning over, fell in: the others striving to 
pull it out, the board gave way, in consequence of which 
they all fell in together. The young one fell under the 
bucket, and slurred no more : the others held for a while by 
the side of the well^ and then sunk into the water, where it 
was supposed they lay half an hour. One coming to tell 
me, I advised immediately to rob them with salt, and to 
breathe strongly into their mouths: they did so; but the 
yomig one was past help : the others, in two or three hours, 
were as well as ever ! 

Wednesday S8, I entered into the eighty -th]||hrear of my 
age. I am a wonder to myself. It is now twelte years since 
I have felt any such sensation as weariness. I am never 
tired, (such is the goodness of God i ) either with writing, 
preaching, or travelling: one natural cause undoubtedly is, 
my continual exercise and change of air. How the latter 
contributes to health I know not; but certainly it does. 

This morning Abigail Pilsworth, aged fourteen, was bom 
into the world of spirits. I talked with her the evening be- 
fore, and found her ready for the Bridegroom. A fewliours 
after, she quietly fell asleep. When we went into the room, 
where her remains lay, we were surprised. A more beautiful 
corpse I never saw : we all sung, 



so REV. JOll^ ,W£8L£Y*8 JOURNAL. [jj^lTB 1786. 

^ ." Ah ! lovely appeiirance of death, 

What sight upon earth is so fair ? 

Not all the gay pageants that breathe, 

Can with ^ dead body compare.": 



All the company were in tears. And in all, except her 
inpther, who sorrowed, (but not as one; without hope,) they 
were tears of ji^JL' O death ! where is thy sting?! 

■ ■■^^,.. . • . . 
London, January 20, ,1786, - 



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MET. JOHN "WEgtX-EY'S 

JOURNAL, 

No. XXI. ' 

• ■ 

FROM JUNE 29, 1786, TO OCTOBER 24, 1790. 



I Took a ciieerfttl leave of 1117 affectionate friends at 
Epworth, leaving tbem much more alive than I found 
them. About one I preached at Thome, now one of the live- 
liest places in the circuit, to a numerous congregation; and 
in the evening at Doncaster. I know not that ever I saw this 
preaching-house filled before ; and many of them seemed to 
feel, as well as hear, it may be, some will bring forth firuit 
with patien€ei( . , . ;^ .1 

Friday 36, I turned asi<)e to Bamsley, formerly famous 
for all manner '6f wickedness : they were then r^dy to tear* 
any Methodist preacher in pieces. Now not a dog Wagg^- 
his tongue. I preached near the mairket-place to a very ' 
large congregation, and I believe, the word sunk into many 
hearts: they seemed to drink in every word. StirelyGod* 
will have a people in this place. 

Saturday, July 1, I went on to Bramley, abcmt fourltiiles 
from Sheffield, where a gentleman has built a neat jMtlch- 
ing-hou^e for the poor people, at hb own expense. As the 
notice was short, I had no need to preach abroad. The c6n- 
gr^ation was deeply serious^ while I explained, what it 



mtt to bofld opoQ m rock, and wbat to boild upon the oori. 
In tk evcniap I spoke Tciy phbd J to m crowddl andioioe ^ 
S h ifl if M, OQ JVbv if if Ugh time to mcakc ami of deep* 
One of the bearers wrote me m naundea letter opon it: bal 
he ooqU renDembcr nothing of the sermoii, but only that 
^ The lisiiig early iras good for the ncrrcs ! ** 

SvadayS, 1 read prayers, preached, and administend 
flie sacrament |^ ax or seren hundred hearers. It was a 
aokmn season* I preached soon after fire in the erening, 
on Tkert is jog im hearem oter omt simmer that repemieth. 
AAerwaidsI gave an accoont of the rise of Methodism, (diat 
is, oU scriptoral Christianity) to the whole congregation, as 
Imth win bear the light, and lores to appear in the fiioeof 
Aesmu 

Monday 3^ We had oar qnarterly meeting, fiiUofwei by 
m kne-feast, at which many spoke without reserre; and 
aercral of them admirably wdl, shewing that with the fisar 
of the Lord is nn d m lan din g. 

TKsday 4, I met the sdect society, amttf fliem walk- 
Ian in glorious liberty. Afterwards I weat to Wcntwortb- 
houBc, the splendid seat of the late Marquis of Rorkinghara, 
He htely had fortf thowHid a year in Ei^land, and fifteen 

or twenty thonsaid in Ireland* And what has he now? Six 
feet of earths 

^ A hc^cf dust is all remains of thee! 
Tis al thou art ; and all the proud shaB be.** 



The. sitwalina of the house is iresy fine. It 
laqpe and heaatifiri prospect. Before the house is an <^ien 
; behmd, a fiew acres of wood, boi not laid out with any 
Tliegreeii4MNises aie large, but I did not observe any 
tting curious in theas. The firont of the house is huge and 
mag nifi ce nt , but not yet finished. The cntranoe is noble ; 
^^ iftloom cxoeediagly grand, and so are sefcml of the 
ap^^PPB^ Few of the pictures are strikii^; I think noun 
of them to be compared with some in Fonmon4>utfe. The 
■oii extraordinary thing. I saw was the stables; a square 
fiifovaioyalpalnoe, all built of fine shme, andnsad^aa. 



jvLT 1786.] Rzy. Joan.wMnvY\ JOVRVAlf. 9$ 

large as the old quadrangle at ChrisUchurch in Oxfoipd^ 
But for what x^ were tbese.buyilt? To shew tbiiyt the ovn^ 
had nearly threescore thousand pQa|u|%a year! O how?nuidii 
treasure might he have laid up in heaven with all this mam«» 
mon of unrighteousness! 

About one I preached at Thorpe^ 'to three, or four times 
aa many as the preachiogi-house would have contained ; and 
in the evening to the well-instructed and Wjdt^ehaved con* 
gregation at Sheffield. O what has Go^^^Riught in this 
town! The leopard now lies down with the kid. 

Wednesday 5, Notice was given, without my knowled|ip^ 
of my preaching at Belpar, seven mUes short of Derby* I 
was nothing glad of this, as it obliged me to quit the tum^ 
pike road, to hobble over a miserable common. The people^ 
gathered from all parts, were waiting. So I went immediately 
to take the market-place, and, standing under a large tree^ 
testified, This is life eternal^ to know thee^ the only true 
God J and Jesus Christy whom thou hast sent. The house 
at Derby was TOoroughfy filled in the evening. As many of 
the better sort, so called, were there, I explained, what 
seemed to be more adapted to their circumstances and ejc« 
perience,^ This onhf have 1 foundy tkut< God made, sums 
upright ; but they found out for theu^lves many inven- 
tions. , 

Thursday 6, In going to lUtou we were ags^in entangled 
in miserable roads : we got thither, however, ahcMit eleven. 
Though the. church is large, it was suffici^id^. crowded. 
The vicar read prayers with gr^at earnestness aovproprirty* 
I preached, on Her xs^^ys are ways of pleasantness, and 
the people seemed all ear. Surely good will be done in this 
place, though it is strongly .opposed both by the Cajivinisis 
and Socinians^ 

We went on in a lovely-aftemooBy and through alovely^ 
country, to Nottingham. I preached to a numerousr and 
well-behaved congregation. I love . this people. Tllss is 
something wonderfully pleasing, both in their spirit and- 
their behaviour. 

Friday 7, The. cojigregatigp at five was very Uurge^ and 



Si HfiT. JOHN WESLETV JOURNAt.. [jULY*^ 

oinviiiced me of the earnestness of the people. They are 
gresMf increased' in wealth and grace, and continue increas- 
ing daily.' ' Sa(!urday 8| I walkM through the General Hos- 
pital; I never safw one so wdl' ordered. Neatness, decency, 
and common sense, shine through the whole. I do not 
wonder that many of the patients recover. I prayed wkh 
tfcpoof them; one of' them a notorious sinner, seemed to be 
cut to the hearty The case of the other was quite peculiar. 
Both her breadlHbive been cut off, and many pins taken out- 
of them, as well as* but of. her flesh in various parts. 
*Sywdve,'' the apothecary said, " were taken out of her 
yesterday,' and five more to-day." And the physicians po- 
tently believe she swallowed them all, though nobody can 
tell, when or how! Which is the greater credulity, to. 
believe this is purely natural; or, to ascribe it to prefer* 
natural agency ? 

In the evening many felt 

'* Th' oVrwhelraing power of saving i&ice ;^' 

and many more on Sunday 9, when we had the largest 
number of communicants that ever were seen at this chapel, 
or perhaps at any church in Nottingham. I took a solenm 
leave of this affectionate congregation, at five in the morning, 
Monday 10, not expecting to meet another such, unless at 
Birmingham, till I came to London. . 

About nine I jH'eached at Mount-Sorrel ; and though it 
was the fai||flay, I saw not one drunken person in the con- 
gregation. iR rained most of the way to Leicester, and some 
were afraid there would be no congregation. Vain fea]^! 
The ! bouse was. extrensely crowded with deeply-attentive 
hearers, while I applied our- Lord's words to the centuricmy, 
in effect, spoken to us also, As thou hast believed^ so be ii 
done unto thee* In the afternoon we went on to Hinckley.' ' It 
rained all the evening; yet we had more heaArers than the 
house, could contain, ami haidly.a trifleramong than* A 
more serious, well-behaved people, I have seldom seeiu .' 

This evening (I believe, before I had done preaching^ a 
xemarkable instance of .^vine justice appeared* . A man 'in 



JVi«Y 1786. j AEV. JOHN Wesley's joubnal. 05 

the street was grievously cursing another, and praying Gfod. 
^^ To blast his «yes." At that instant he was struck blincf. 
So, I suppose, he continuet^ver sinfie* 

Tuesday 11, The poor,. litt^ flo» at Coventry hfive at 
length procured a neat, convenient room ; only it is far too 
small : as many of the people as could get in were all atten- 
tion. How is the scene changed here also! I kilow not but 
now the corporation, if it had been projposed, would have 
given the use of the town-hall to me tuShbt than to the 
dancing-master ! In the evening I went on to Birminghaikiy 
and found the usual spirit in the cOngr^ation. They ane 
much alive to God, and consequently increasing in numb6r 
as well as in grace*^ 

Wednesday IS, At noon I preached in the new chapel «t 
Derrington. To build one here was an act of mercy inr 
deed, as the church would not contain a fifth, perhaps not 
a tenth of the inhabitants. At six I preached in our ohapd 
at Birmingham, and immediately after, took coach to 
London. -^ 

Thursday 13, We reached the town at two^ itnd settled 
all our business^on this and the two following days. Sun^ 
day 16, my heart was greatly enlarged in exhinrting ^ very 
numerous congregation to Worship God in spirit and in 
truth. And we had such a number of communicants: Ki we 
have not had before^ since the covenant night. I suppose 
fifty, perhaps a hundred of them never communicated be-^ 
fore. la the afternoon I buried the remedns of Thomas Par- 
kinson; (who died sudd^y two or three days tlfore) one 
of our first members, a man of an excellent spirit j and un- 
blamable conversation. ' 

Mcfnday 17, After preaching at West-street, where many 
were impressed with a deep sense of the presence of God, I 
took coach for Bristol. We bad a delightful journey ;: but 
having the wmdow at my side open while I slept, I lostiay 
voiee, so that I could scarcely be heard acroia a ff0fl^(d|l||t 



W^nesday momirig (by applying garliQaa> 
wa» instantly restored. , •« -i '. ?•'.:;. J 

Thursday 80, I preached at the new looili^ w ATc h4ffie 
VOL. VI. F - 






56 AET. JOHN Wesley's journal. [ jult 1786^; 

ikis treasure in earthen vessels. And the hearts of manj^ 
-iHio had been vexed with needless scruples, were mightily 
refreshed. ^ ^ i 

Friday 21, I walHH ovei^ Kingswood-Sciiool, now mie 
of the pleasantest spots in England. I fonnd all things just 
according to my desire; the rules being weU obsenred, and 
the whole behaviour of the children shewing that they were 
now managed with the wisdom that cometh from above. 

Sunday SS, I preached m the morning on those winds in 
the second lesson, LasHsrusy come forthy and I believe, 
many that were buried in sin, heard the voice of the Son of 
God. In the evening I preached abroad oa MaJtL v. 22. 
In the middle of the sermon it began to rain, but not many 
went away. This put me in mind of that remarkaUe cir« 
cumstance respecting the late Pope. On that solemn day,' 
when the Pope rides on horseback to St. Peter's, a^ violent 
storm scattered his whole retinue : when it abated|, his holi- 
ness was missing, but they soon found him aitting quietly in 
the church. Being asked, ^' How he coi^ ride through 
such a storm," he very calmly replied, ^^ I am ready to go, 
not only through wdter, but through fire also for my Lord's 
sake." Strange, that such a man should be suffered to mt 
two years in the papal chatrl 

Tuesday 25, Our Conference b^an: about eighty 
preachers attended^ We met every day at six and nine in 
the morning, and at two in the afternoon. On Tuesday 
and on Wednesday mcmiing the characters of the preachen 
were cotfsidered, whether already admitted or not. On 
Thursday in the afternoon we permitted any of the society 
to be present, and weighed what was said, about separating 
from the Church. But we all determined to continue therein, ' 
without one dissenting voice: and I doubt not but this de* 
termination will stand, at least, till I am removed into a 
better world. ' On Friday and Saturday most of our tern- 
pML business was settled. Sunday SO, I preached in the 
tiSna morning and evening; and in the aftemo(m at Kings- 
wood, where there is rather an increase than a decitase in 
the work Of God. 



•. I 






AUG. 1786.] HEY* JOHHT WESLEt's JOUEKAL. 67 

MonBay 31, The CdhfereiDce met again, and concluded 
on Tuesday mornings Great had been the expectation of 
many Uiat vte should have^had wayn debates, but by the 
mercy of God we had none at all. Every thtbg was trans- 
acted with great calmness; and we parted, as we. met, in 
peace and love. * ^• 

Tuesday, August 8, At seven, Mr. Brackenbury, Broad- 
bent, and I, took coach for Harwich, which we reached 
about eight in the evening. Wednesday 9,- between two and 
three in the afternoon we went dn board the Besborough 
packet, one of the cleanest ships I ever saw, w^th one of the 
most obliging captains. We had many gentlemen on board, 
whom I was agreeably surprised to find equally obliging. 

Thursday 10, The wind continuing small, and the sdft 
calm, they desired me to give them a sermon : they were all 
attention. Who knows but some amcmg them may retain 
the impressions they then received! 

Friday 11, For some time we had a dead calm ; so that 
we did Aot reach Helvoetsluy s till the afternoon, nor Rotter- 
dam-till between ten and ^eleven at night. We found Mr. 
Loyal was not returned from a journey, which he had be- 
gon a week or two before : but Mrs. Loyal gave us a hearty 

vrdcdme. 

Saturday 12, Mr. Williams, minister of the episcopal 
church, and Mr^ Scot, minister of the Scotch church, both 
welcomed me to Holland; but the kindness involved me in 
an aukward difficulty! Mr. Scot had asked the consent of 
his consistory, for me to preach in his ichurch on Sunday af- 
ternoon : but Mr. Williams had given notice of my preach- 
ing in his church, both morning and afternoon : and iieither 
of. them was willing to give up his point: I would fain 
bitve compromised the matter ; but each seemed to appre- 
hend his honour concerned, and would not in any wise'give 
up his point. I saw no possible way to satisfy both but by 
prolonging my stay in Holland, in order to preach oiiitSim- 
day, morning and afternoon in the episcopal, and another, 
in the Scotch church. And possibly God may have more 
work for me to do in Holland than I am yet aware of. 

F 2 



68 BEV^ JOHN Wesley's jqvrnal. [avo. 1786. 

fhougb Mr. Loyal, with whom I lodged when I wu at 
Rotterdam before, was not in town, being gone with a friend 
to P^is, yet I was quite at home, and went on in my 
work without any interruption* Sunday IS, the service be- 
gan about ten. M|r. Williams read prayers exceedingly 
well, and I preacSed on those words in the first lessmiy 
-Horn long hdUye between two opinions? All the congm^a- 
tion gave a serious. attention; but I fear Aeyionly hteid, 
but did not feel : but many seemed to be much affected in 
the afternoon, while I opened and applied those words, 
Ifie^e hath no temptation taken you but what is comnnon to 
-men. In the evening Mr. Scot called upon me and informed 
me, ^^ That the elders of his church would not desire me to 
stay in Holland on purpose to preach, but would dismiss 
my promise." I then determined to follow my first plan: 
and, Gckt willing, to return to England in a fortnight. 

Monday 14, Taking boat at eight, we went at oqr ease, 
through One of the pleasantest summer coun^es ill Europe, 
-and reached the Hague between twelve and one. Being de^ 
•tarmined to lodge no more at inns, I went wHh Brother F^- 
guson to his own lodging, and passed a quiet and conk^brt- 
^ble night. A few pious persons^ came to us in the ^evening, 
with whose spirits we quickly took acquaintance. . I hwfe 
not found any persons isince we crossed the sea, w&o'seeided 
so much devoted to God. , ■' . i' ^ 

Tuesday 15, Making the experiment when we took boat, 
I found I could write as well in the boaty as in my study. 
So from this hour I continued writing whenevw I was on 
•board. What mode of travelling is to be compared with 
this i About noon we called on Professor Uoers at Leyden, 
a very sensible and conversable man; as he spoke Latin 
very fluently I could willingly have spent some hours with 
him ; but I had appointed to be at Amsterdam in the even- 
ing. We came thither between seven and eight, and locrik up. 
our abode with William Ferguson, who continued to lodge 
us all with tolerable convenience. 

Wednesday 18, I spent the day very quietly in writibig, 
and visiting a few friends, who knew not how to be affiw* 



/ . 



iuto. 1786.] A'ET. JOHK Wesley's journal^. 69^ 

tionate ensough. In the evening I spoke to a little company 
at my own lodgings, on It is appointed to men once to 
die. 

Thursday 19, I break&sted with a litde company of truly 
jMOus people, and afterwards went to see the manner where* 
is the deacons of Amsterdam relieve tuk poor weekly. I 
suppose there were two or three hundred poor, but the 
whole was transacted with the utmost stiUhess and de* 
cency. 

To<lay likewise I visited more of my friends, who shewed 
all possible affection. Friday SO, we went to Haerlem|Himd 
spent an agreeable day with a few agreeable friends. We 
lodged at Mr. Vancampen's, a florist, and were perfectly 
at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vancampen seemed deeply 
devoted ilo God, as much as any I have seen in Holland.. <: 

In the afltemoon we m^ a little company in the town,, who^ 
seemed to be truly alive to God ; one Miss Rouquet in parr- 
ticolar, whose least recommendation was, that she could 
speak both Dutch, French, and English. She spent the 
evening at Miss Falconberg's, the chief gentlewoman in the^ 
town. Here we supped : the manner was particular. No 
table-cloth was used, but plates with knives and forks, and 
napkins to each person, and fifteen or sixteen small ones: 
on which were bread, butter, cheese, slices of hung beef, 
Cakes, pancakes, and fruit of various kinds. To these w^re 
added, music upon an excellent organ, one of the sweetest 
tones I ever heard. 

Saturday 21, We took a walk in Haerlem wood x so de« 
lightful a place I scarcely ever saw before. I judged it to 
be about a mile broad, and two or three mile& deep. This ia. 
divided into almost innumerable walks, some broad and some 
narrow, but diversified in a wondttfiil manner, and skirted 
with elegant houses on both sides, in the aftemocm we 
returned to Amsterdam. In the evening Mr. Shranten, a 
bookseller (whose daughter had come with us in the bmit to 
> Amstisrdam) an elder of the H(dland's church, invited us to 
supper, and desired me to expouikl a portion of Scripture, 
Tdiidi I did with liberty of spirit. Afterward Mr. Bracken- 




^ ^bb^oh!^uurt«8Sj^9 


H 


Though Mr. Lo^al, with wbnm 1 ■ — ,^ 


^^^^1 


Rotterdam before, was not in tvwii> !> " 


^^^^ 


tu f alia, j't^i f WiU l|tLllk til iM'ttiTf ^^vi^ 

■work without any inlerniplioii. Su.i4,. — 




gan about ten. Mf. Williu" 


-^^^^^^ 


well, and I prcaclied on r 1 


_^^^^^g^ 


Sow long halt yt btlxstrn ■ 


.„^^-^^^^ 


tion gave a serious attenliin 


^mm 


but did not feel : bui inam 


^^Ml 


(he afternoon, wllilc I oj. ;, 


.^^m 


There hath no temptation ' '^ 


. -^^ 


men. In the evening Mr. S. . ' 




me, " That the elders of l<i. 


ja^i 


!tla_v in Holland on puqro^x i < 


.,-^m 


my promise." I Ihirn doliriiHi' -' 


.^^ 


and, God willing, (o relutn i-. i. 


^-' 


Monday 14, Taking Ipmi > 




through otieof th<! p)(M>arii< ^ 


^^^■n 


and reached the Hnguc \xh» . < 


^^Ntt 


(crmiiief! to lodge na mnrt- M 


: .«! 


guson to his own lod^ug, .:■ 


-Wf 


« able night. A few pious [m 


^— Ijl 


with whose spirits we n»ii i. ' 




not found any pcnMiiis. »lti. . 


. ^Thoi 


to much devoted to G<Kt. 


M.M^ 


Tuewlfiy 15, MnUin;; i , 


... Wil 


1 I found I could wriir = 


,..^^ 


So from this hour 1 . i 


. , '. ;Uf«<l^ 


board. What mode .. i 




this! About noon v.' 


^.^m 


8 very seii^iiblc atxl i 




Tcry fluently f coul.l ■ 


-A 


liim; but J had nii 


■•9 


ing. Wecamelliiri 


...1 


^ our abode wilb \\ 




H us all with tolon ' 


. 


fc W«Ji»«sd4r : 


, 


^^^^BdvmtiBfi 


- 




tH 



iteMMk4Z86. J AEV. JOHK Wesley's journal. 71 



never saw before. In grandeur it is not to be named 
a few places in England ; but in elegance and variety^ 
. .^ rily believe it equals, if not exceeds, any place of the 
JSurope. 

evening I expounded to a select company of very 
^IflKllliable ladies, Matt. vii. 24, misi Loten interpreting 
j^y sentence by sentence. And I know not but God 
Lt bless this poor way of preaching to the Dutch, as he 
illd that to the Indians by David Brainard. 

takdiitairday S6, I had a long conversation with a gentleman, 
almost all the religious world take for a madman. I 
not know that I have found one of so deep experience 
I left London. I have no doubt of his being perfected 
]QYe» He has a clear witness of it, and has had many 
without interruption. I had now an opportunity of 
truly informed concerning the university of Utrecht 
the young gentlemen are scattered over this town, and live 
LOUt the least control^ they do any thing or nothing as 
r please; and^ as they have no tutors, they have none 
leck them. Most of them lounge from morning to night, 
)ing nothing or doing worse : well, bad as they are, Ox« 
^zd and Cambridge are not Utrecht yet. 

Sunday 27, I attended the service at the English church, 

about thirty perscxis were present. At five in the even- 

I believe I had> eighty or ninety hearers ; and I had 

lib^y of speech among them. I cannot doubt, but 

some of them found the word of God to be sharper than a 

sword* 

.After service I went once more to Mr. Loten^s. Both 

|. Loten and he came to town on purpose to see me ; 

rise he could find little comfort there during the pre«- 

itale of afiairs. The burghers have all agreed Co de- 

their burgo-masters, and elect new ones in their stead, 

are to-morrow to take an oath on a scaffold erected in 

open market-place, not to the Prince of Orange, but the 

of Utrecht. To this end they had displaced all the 

's guards, and placed burghers at all the gates* It 

F 



■^ . 



y 1 ' *■ 



i 



79 BBV. JOHir mteslet's journal, [sept. 1786. 

is thought the example will spread; and it will not be 
strange if all Holland should soon be a field of blood. 

Monday 28, We took boat at seveuj being informed that 
at eight all the city gates would be shut. In the evening 
we leaehed Rotterdam, and rejoiced to meet good Mr. Loyal 
once more. Here we rested on Tuesday. Wednesday 90, 
we set out early, and went twelve miles in a coach, for 
which we had to pay six guilders and no more* We then 
crossed the river, which cost four stivers, and hired an open 
waggon for twenty-three stivers, which brought us to the 
othcciriver in half an hour. At the Brill we hired another 
coach, which cost us four guilders. I set down these little 
things that others may not be cheated. 

Wednesday 30, We found company enough in our inn 
at Helvoetsluys, genteel, ^ood-natured, and sensible: but 
finding our conversation was not suited to their taste, we 
only dined with them on this and the following days. Both 
on this day, and Thursday and Friday, the wind was quite 
coatrary; but otherwise we could' not have sailed, for it 
blew a storm: so I took the opportunity of writing a sermon 
for the Magazine. 

Saturday, September S, The storm abating, we set sail 
about nine, though the wind was contrary : but in the af- 
ternoon it fell calm. The rolling of -the ship made us sick. 
I myself was sick a few minutes : Mr. Broadbent (by times) 
for some hours : Mr. Brackenbury (who did not expect tJ 
be sick at all) almost from the beginning of the voyage to 
the end. 

Sunday 3, When we had been twenty-four hoars cm 
board, we were scarcely come a third of our way. I judged 
we should not get on, unless I preached, which I tlierefi>ro 
did, between two and three in the afternoon, on It is ap'» 
pointed for men once Ho die: and I believe all were affiscted 
for the present. Afterwards we had a fair wind for several 
hours; but it then fell dead calm again. This did not lasC 
long; for, as soon as prayer was over, a fresh bieece sprung 
up and brought us into the bay. It being then dark, we oast 
anchor^ and it was well, for at ten at night we had a vidl^it 



SEPT. 1786.1 RW. JOHN WBSLBT's JOUfi^AB. 7S 

^fm. I expected little rest t biit I prayed and God an*^ 
swered; so that I slept sound till mf nsuai hotir^ fouf 
o'clock. T&e wind being agadn quite contraiy, we weie 
obliged to tack continually : but about nine w^re brought 
safe to Harwich. After resting about an hoarse took 
dtaisC) an4 about one came to Colchester, where Mr. Brack- 
enbuTy being exceedingly weak^ we thought it best to stay till 
the morning. 

In the evening the house was thoroughly filled, and many 
received the truth in the love thereof; so that I did not at 
all regret my stopping here. Setting oat early in the mom*^ 
ing, Tuesday 5, I reached London before one o'clock, and' 
transacted most of my business in the afternoon. In the 
evening I preached on Psalm xxix. 9, 10, and the voice tf 
the Lord was indeed with power. Wednesday 6, 1 answered" 
my letters, and on Thursday 7, set out for Brii^I. 

In the evening I reached Newbury. It rained aadi hkf& 
vehemently ; yet the house was thoroughly filled : aikl I 
found uncommon, liberty in pushing the enquiry^ << Who of 
you are building upon the sand, and who upon* 4 xock ? " 
Friday 8, in the evening I preached at Batir, ta a mone 
numerous congregation than I expeoted, and oMve serious, 
for I do not find there were any careless or inattentive hear- 
ers. 8aturday 9, we had a good congregation at five^ 
although the weatlier continued stormy. Afterward I search* 
ed to the bottom a story I had heard in part, and fi)und. it 
another ^^ tale of real woe.'' Tviro. of our society had livedl 
together in uncommon harmony ; when one who met in band 
with £. F. to whom she had mentioned that she had <^ found 
a temptation toward Dr. F." went and told her husband, 5^ she 
was in love with him ; and that she had it from her own 

I • 1 . 

mouth." The spirit of jealousy fjsized him in a. ipoment^ 
and utterly took away his reason. And some ofie. telling 
him his wife was at Dr. F.'s, (on whom she hadc&lled that 
afternoon) he took a great stick, and ranavmy ; and meeting 
her in this street,, called out, << Strumpet I Strumpet ! " and 
struck her twice or thrice. He is now thoroughly convinced 
of her innocence ; but the wat^ cannot be gathered up 



4 



74 Rsv. Joav Wesley's JointNAl*. [sbft* 1786. 

again ! He sticks there, ^^ I do thoroughly forgive you, bat 
I can never love you more." 

Sunday 10, Our service began at ten. Mr. Creighion^ 
whose health is a little recovered, by rest, and drinking the 
mineral waters, read prayers, and assisted i^ the sacrament. 
I preached on The thildren are brought to the kirth^ and 
there is not strength to bring forth. At half an hour past 
two we had a much larger congregation, and I think equally 
serious, on whom I enforced the exhortation. Come untome^ 
all ye thai are zoeary and heavy laden. In the evening I 
op^nd and largely applied those words in the gospel for the 
day. Verily 1 say unto yoUy many prophets and kings have 
desired to see the things which ye see^ and have not seen 
ikem^ and to hear those things that ye heary and have not 
kgard them. 

Monday 11, Leaving the society here well united toge-^ 
ther, I went on and preached at Bristol in the evening ; and 
on Tuesday 12, retired to a friend^s house, where I went on 
with Mr. F.'s life without interruption. But on Wednesday 
13, I 'Could not resist the desire of .my friends, to preach at 
Temple church in the evening. I never saw it so full in an 
evening before, nor felt so much of the power of God there. 

Friday 15, 1 had much satisfaction in the evening at the 
chapel in Guinea-street. It was thoroughly filled, and most 
of the people seemed much affected, while (from Heb. xii. 1.) 
I described what I take to be the chief besetting sins of Bristol, 
love of money, and love of ease. Indeed God has ali:eady 
wrought a great deliverance for many of them ; and we hope 
a far greater will ensue. 

Sunday 17, 1 preached morning and evening at the room, 
and in the afternoon at Kingswood, wher€ the work of God 
seems to stand nearly at one stay, not sensibly increasing or 
decreasing. Qn Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I met 
the classes at Bristol, and on the remaining days of the wedL 
transcribe the society, considerably increased since last 
year, and I hope in grace as well as in number. 

Saturday 23, 1 read the general plan of Monsieur Gebalin'^, 



^ 



SBFT. 1786.] RBV» JOHN WESLEY's JOURNAL. 75 

Tast \?ork, designed to consist of twelve very large quarto 
volumes, eight of which are, published. The primitive 
Virorld analysed and compared with the modem. He is a man 
of a strong understanding, boundless imagination, and araa-^ 
zing industry. I think his first volume is a beautiful castle 
in the air. I admire it, but I do not believe (me word of it^ 
because it is wholly built on the authority of Sanchoniatho, 
whom no one could ever yet prove to have had a bSeing : and 
I fear he was a deist : 1, Because he no where lays the least 
stress upon the Bible : S, Because he supposes the origbal 
confusion of tongues to have been a merely natural event. 

Sunday 34, God was eminently present with us at the 
morning service as well as^ at Temple church in the'aflar* 
noon, which I never saw so filled before, which is liotat'Sl 
strange, considering the spirit of the vicar, and the indefii- 
ligable pains which he takes with rich and poor. At five J 
took the opportunity of a fair evening to preach once mmre 
near King^s-square : and once more I declared to a large 
multitude the whole counsel of God. 

Monday S5, We took c^oach in the afternoon, and on 
Tuesday morning reached London. I now applied myself 
in earnest to the writing of Mr. Fletcher's life, having pro- 
cured the best materials I could. To this I dedicated all the 
time I could spare, till November, from five in the morning 
till eight at night. These are my studying hours : I cannot 
write longer in a day without hurting my eyes. 

Saturday SI, I went to bed at my usual time, half an hour 
past nine, and to my own feeling, in perfect health : but just 
at twelve I was waked by an impetuous flux, which did not 
sufier me to rest many minutes together. Finding it rather 
increased than decreased, though (what I never knew before) 
without its old companion the cramp, I sent for Dr. White- 
head. He came about four, and by the blessing of God in 
three hours I was as well as ever. Nor did I find the least 
Wisakness or faintness, but preached morning and afternoon, 
and met the soci^y in the evening, without any weariness. 
Of such a one I would boldly say with the son of Sirach, 
Honour the physician, for God hath appointed him. 



7ff ABV JOHN Wesley's journai«, [got* 1786^ 



Monday, October 9, I went to Chatham, and had mach 
epnifort with the loving, serious congregation in the evening, 
aa well as at five in the morning, Tuesday 3. We then ran 
down yrUh a &ir> pleasant wind to Sheemess. The preach- 
ing-house here is now finished, but by means never heard of. 
The building was undertaken a few months since, by a littl^ 
handful of men, without any probable means of finishing 
it* But. God so moved the hearts of the people in the 
dock, that even those who did not pretend to any religion, 
carpenters, shipwrights, labourers, ran up, at all their vacant 
hours, and worked with all their might, without any pay ! 
By these means a large square house was soon elegantly 
finished, both within and without. And it is the neatest 
bAlding, next to the New Chupel in London, of any in the 
floath of England. 

I preached in the evening on Stand yt in the oldptdhsy 
to a lovely congregation, and then shewed the society of 
bow great importance it was, that their light should shine 
before men. And indeed it does shine. They are ci one 
h^rt and of one mind, striving for the hope of the gospel. 
I preached^ at Chatham on Thursday evening, and the next 
day, Friday 6, returned to London. 

Tuesday 10, Having promised to preach in their new 
house at Lynn, I thought it ,best to go while the ^good. wea- 
ther continued. I had ordered two places to be taken in the 
coach, which would have reached Lynn on. Tuesday noon ; 
l^ttt my messenger mending my orders, took them in the dili- 
gence, which came in between nine and ten at night. By 
this m^n I lost one of thr^ evenings which I proposed to 
spend there. 

I spent Wednesday and Thursday with much satisfacticHi, 
with a very loving and lively people, increasiqg in grace aa* 
well as in number, and.adomiqg the doctrine of God' our SfM- 
viour. I had appointed to preach Mrs. Shewell's funeral 
sermon at Bamet, on Friday evening. And ais we had only 
two light perjsons in th^e diligence, and no baggage^ I hoped 
we should have come in time : but they were vain, hopes. 
We did not reach HodsdooitilH after sun-set. I then took a^ 



OCT. 1786.] REV. JOHN wesi^by's joubnal. 77 

post-cbaise, for the diligence went the other road. But as 
we had a rough by-road across the country, without eithfy 
moon or stars, we coidd not reach the chapel till half aa 
hour after seven. About half the congregation were, gone 
away, an officious man having informed them I. would not 
come. With the other half, whidi pretty well filled the 
house, we had a:»demn opportunity. So I havd lived to sep 
the large family at Hadley, two brothers and three sistets, 
^1 removed. So does ^^ the eairth drop its inhabitants as thte 
tree its leaves." 

Monday 16, 1 went to Hinxworth and preached in the 
evening to a more numerous congregaJfcion than I ever had 
seen there before. At lengthlCiiB Harvey sees some.frwt of 
all the pains she has taken. iTaeiday 17, I met her.poiir 
phildrm in the nioming, twenty of whom she keeps at schoc^ ^ 

in the village, as* she is unwearied in doing good. In the 
evening I preached in Mr. Htffks's[church at WaatliPgwortllk 
I have not seen such a congregation there for mtmy years.. 
Neither have I &und so much.of the power of God. ; . Surely 
all pur labour here will not be in vain. 
'. '.Thursday 19, 1 returned to Lcndon^ In thij9 journey I 
had a full sight of Lord Salisbury's seat at Hat&dd. This 
park is delightful. . Both the firofits of the houia« are very 
handahme, though antique. The hall, &e asse«ibly-rooa\, and 
the gallery, are grand and beautii^. The chapel is e^trem^y 
pretty. But the furniture in general, (exeepting the pic- 
tures, many of which are originals) is just such as I should 
expect in a gentleman's house of five hundred a year« , , . : ^ 

Sunday 22y I preached at West-street, morning and after- 
noon, and at AUhallow's church in the evening. It was 
much crowded : and God gave iis so lemarkaUe a blessing 
as I scarcely ever found at that church. Tuesday Sir, I m^ 
the cdasses at Deptford, and was vehemently impj^uned to 
order the Siuiday service in our room at the samd'time with 
that of the diurch. It is easy to see that this would be a 
formal separation from the church. We fixed both our 
morning and evening service all over England, at such hours 
as not to iutecfeienprith the okorch : with this rery design, 



78 REV. JOHN weslbt's JOURNAL, [not. 1786. 

that those of the ohurch, if they choose it, might attend 
'H^h the one and the other. But to fix it at the same hour, 
is obliging them to separate, either from the church or us. 
And this -I judge to be not only inexpedient, but totally un- 
lawftil ftr me to do. 

Wednesday 25, I went to Brentford, but had little com- 
fort there. The society is almost dwindled to nothing. 
What have we gained by separating from the church here ? 
Is not this a good lesson for others ? 

Thursday 26, Mr. Holbrook carried us to Hampton- 
Court, far the finest palace which the King of England has. 
The buildings are a little town, and nothing can be jriea- 
saoter than the park. Bui above all, the three fronts of the 
house, the stair-case, and tlie furniture, and the pictures in 
the' apartments, are worthy of a king, and not equalled by 
any in the kingdom in some respects, not by Bleahdm itself, 
^hich exceeds it only in its front, in tapestry, and in shock* 
ingly immodest pictures. 

y In the erening I preached to a large and serious congre- 
gation at Wandsworth. I think it was about two in the 
morning, that a dog b^an howling under our window in a 
most uncommon manner. We could not stop him by any 
means. Just then William B r died. . 

Friday 8[7, 1 preached once more at Baruet,* probably for 
the last time. Sunday 29, after preaching at Westn^tieet, I 
went directly to St. Giles's, where I preached beforel w^t 
abroad two or three and fifty years ago. And< are they not 
past as a watch in the night ? My subject was, the Joy m 
heaven over one sinner that repenteth. And truly God ebn- 
firmed his word. Many seemed to be paitakers of that joy* 
And a solemn awe sat on the whole congregation. 

Monday 31, and the ensuing days, I visited the classes. 
I was careful to take- an exact account of the poor of the 
society. I t?as surprised to find only a hundi:ed and fifty ninei 
I thought they had been double the number. I hope, by the 
assistance of God, within four months,: to see that nbne of 
these want either food or raiment. 

Friday^ November 3,: Taking the advantage of a moon** 



NOT. 1786.] EBV. /OHN WBSLBT^S JOUAITAL* 79 

light evening, I went down to the chapel in Rotherhithe. I 
never saw it so well filled before, nor with such serious ai^ 
attentive hearers. Is any thing too hard for God ? Shau 
this wilderness blossom and bud as the rose ? 

Sunday 5, I buried the remains of John ColNneadow, 
another martyr to loud and long preaching. To save his 
life, if possiUe, when he was half dead, I took him to travd 
widi me : but it was too late. He revived a little, but soon 
rdapsed, and after a few monllia, died in peace. He had 
the ornament of a meek and qi^it spirit, and was of an ek* 
emplary behaviour « 4 

Tuesday 7, 1 visited the classes, and found them much 
increased both in grace and Jiuipber. The house w«l i|s 
usual, wdl filled in the evenu%» and many were lefieshed 
and comforted. ^ 

Thursday 9, In the evening I jHreached at Stratford. And 
undecstanding I had many good sort of people to deal vfiO^^ 
I endeavoured to stir them up, by strongly shewing what it 
18 to build upon a rock : after shewing them the various 
ways whereby the generality of good men (so called) usual^ 
build upon the sand, 

. Sunday 12, 1 preached morning and afternoon for the use 
of our little charity-school, where f<Mrty boys and twenty 
girls are trained up both for this woriid and the world to come. 
Monday 13, I retired for a few days to Highbury Place, 
that I might go on in my work without interruption. I re- 
tf&med to town on Thursday 16, and after preaching on 
1 Tim. vi. SO, had a comfortable meeting with the bands. 
Their shyness is vanished away: and we have only one 
inconvenience : we have not time to hear all those that are 
willing to speak. 

Sunday 26, After officiating at West-street morning and 
afternoon, I took coach at seven in the evening. We had 
a clear, pleasant night, and reached Norwich about eleven 
on Monday the 27th. I found all things in peace, through 
the zeal and prudence of Jasper Robinson and his fellow-la- 
bourers. The congregation in the evening was nearly as 
large as it usually is on a Sunday. And more than twice as 



80 REV. JOHN wbsley's jovrval. roBc. 1786. 

large at six in fhe morning, as it is accustomed to be. 
Tuesday S5, about noon I preached at Cayster, a little town 
nrenty miles east of Norwich, to a little, serious congrega- 
tion, the greater part of whom seemed to be ripe fbraUeflBing* 
Thehooibal Yarmouth was thoroughly filled in the evening, 
and many attended in the morning likewise. Once mare the 
combatants here have laid down their arms, and solenudy 
promise to continue in peace and love. 

Wednesday and ThursdayV spent comfortably at Lowe* 
stofie, among a quiet, lovilq;" people. Friday, December 1, 
I took a solemn leave of them at six. At nine I preached 
Ht North CV)ve, with much enlargement of spirit, and about 
eleven at Beccles, to more than their preaching-house couU 
oontoin : and all of them appeared as serious and attentive 
as the congregation at Yarmouth. Tn the- evening there 
seemed to be a considemble shaking even among the dry 
liones at Loddon i and such a company attended at Mr. 
Crisp's in the morning as I never saw there beliNne. 

Saturday 3, I returned to Harwich, and was much pleaS- 
eil in the cvemng with the largeness and seriousness of the 
congregation. Sunday 3, 1 administered the Lord's-Supper 
at eight, and afterwards attended our parish church* Be- 
sides the little company that went with me, and the clerk 
and minister, I think we had five men and 'six women. 
And this is a christian country ! 

Our house could in no wise contain the congregation, 
either in the afternoon or in the evening. And at both times 
great was the power of God in the midst of them. I have 
not seen, for many years, such a prospect of d«Hng good 
in this city. 

Monday 4, I was strongly importuned by our firiends at 
Long Stratton, to give them a sermon there* I heard of a 
young woman in that country who had uncommon fits, and 
of one that had lately preached, but I did not know that 
it was one and the same person. I found her in the very 
house to which I went, and went and talked with her at 
large. I was surprised : Sarah Mallet, two or three and 
twenty years old, is of the same sice (hat Jane Cooper was, 



BBC. 1786.1 RJBV. JOHV weslef's joubnal. 81 

and IS) I think, full as much devoted to God, and of as 
strong an understandiag. But she is not likely to live ; h^ 
ving a species of consumption, which I believe is never curea. 
Of the following relation which she gave me, there are num- 
berless witnesses. 

Some years since, it was strongly impressed upon her^ 
that she ought to call sinners to repentance. This impres- 
sion she vehemently resisted, believing herself quite unqua- 
lified, both by her sin and her.igporance : till it was suggested, 
** If you do it not willingly, you shall do it whether you 
will or no." She fell into a fit, and. while utterly senseless, 
thought she was in the preaching-house in Lowestofie, where 
she prayed and preached j|^ n^rly an hour, to a numerous 
congregation. She then opendk ner eyes, and recovered her 
senses. In a year or two she had eighteen of these fits : in 
every one of which she imagined herself to be preaching in 
one or another congregation. She then cried out, ^* Lord^ I 
will obey thee, I will call sinners to repentance." Sh^ has 
done so occasionally from that time ; and her fits returned 
no more. ** 

I preached at one to as many as the house could contain, 
of people that seemed ready prepared for the Lord. In the 
evening the hearts of the whole congregation at Norwich 
seemed to be bowed as the heart of one man. I scarcely 
ever saw them so moved. Surely God will revive hii^ work 
in this place, and we shall not always find it so cold and 
comfortless as it has long been* 

Tuesday 5, In the afternoon, I took coach again, and re- 
turned to London at eight on Wednesday morning. All the 
time I could save to the end of the week I spent in transcrib- 
ing the society, a dull, but necessary work, which I have 
taken upon myself once a year for nearly these fifty years. 

Wednesday 13, I retired to Peckham, where the next 
evening I preached to as many as the house wouU well con- 
tain, and found much liberty of spirit in enforcing upon 
them, ihe glorying only in the cross of Christ. Saturday 16, 
I returned to London. 

Sunday 17, We had (as usual) a very solemn and com- 

VOL.VL G 



Si ^ BBV. JOHN Wesley's journal, [jan. 1787. 

fortable season at Spitalfields. Wednesday 20, 1 retired to 
Pighbury-Place. But how changed ! Where are the three 
'amiable sisters ? One is returned to her fiither : one deprived 
of hes reason ; and one in Abraham's bosom ! 

Saturday 23, By great importunity I was induced (haying 
little hope of doing good) to visit two of the felons in New* 
gate, who lay. under sentence of death. They appeared 
serious : but I can lay little stress on appearances of this 
kind. However, I wrote in tRir behalf to a great man. And 
perhaps ij; was in consequence of this that they had a 
reprieve. 

Sunday 24, T was desired to nreach at the Old Jewry : 
but the church was cold, 9011^ was the congregation. We 
had a congregation of another Kind the next day, Christmas- 
day, at four in the morning, as well as five in the evening at 
the New Chapel, and at West-street chapel about noon. 
* Smday 31, From those words of Isaiah to Hezekiah, Set 
thy house in otder^ I strongly exhorted all who had not done 
it already, to settle their temporal affairs without delay. It is 
a strange madness which still possesses many, that are. in 
other respects men of understanding, who put this ojQF from 
day to day, till death comes in an hour when they looked 
not for it. 

Moaday, Janufiry 1, 1787, We began the service at four 
in the morning, io an unusually large congregation. We 
had another comfortable opportunity at the New Chapel at 
the usual hour, and a third in the evening at West-street. 
Tuesday 2, 1 went over to Deptford : but it seemed I was 
got into a den of lions. Most of the leading men of the so- 
ciety were mad for separating from the church. I endea- 
voured to reason with them, but in vain ; they had neither 
sense nor even good manners left. At length after meeting 
the whole society, I told them, " If you are resolved, you 
may have your service in church hours. But remember, 
from that time, you will see my face no more." This 
struck deep : and from that hour I have heard no more of 
separating from the church. 

Friday 5, and in the vacant hours of the following days^ 



FBB. 1787.] REV. JOHN WSSLET's JOURNAL* . 88 

* I read Dr. Hunter's Lectures. They are very lively and 
ingenious. The language is good, and the thoughts g^i^ 
rally just. But they do not all suit my taste. . I do not ad* 
mire that florid way of writing. Good sense does not need 
to be so studiously adorned. I love St. John's, style, as well 
as matter. 

Sunday 7^ At the desire of many of our friends, we began 
that solemn work of venewinjg our covenant with God at 
three in the afternoon, two boors earlier than usual. 

Monday 8, and the four following, days, I went a begging 
for the poor. I hoped to be able to provide food and rai* 
ment for those of the society, who were in pressing want, 
yet had no weekly allowanlfce. These were about two liun* 
dred. But I was much disappointed. Six or seven indeed 
of our brethren gave ten pounds a-piece. If forty or- fifty 
had done this, I could have carried my Idesign iaijo eleecu- 
tion. However, much good was done with two hbiidfiii 
pounds, and many sorrowful hearts made glttd. * ' : /- 

- Sunday 31, 1 {Hjeached at St. Swithin's church,, to ii:Qa'* 
merous and sericms congregation. Thursday 25, I went to 
Dorking, and found a lively and well-established people. 
Saturday 27, 1 b^an the heavy work of meeting the classes 
in Xiondon. Friday ^ February 2, 1 endeavoured to reomcile 
two of our brethren that were at variamce. And one of them 
was very willing : but the otlier raged like a bear bereaved 
of her whdps. 

Sunday 4, While I applied the Parable of the. Sower -i^ 
the New Chapel, God wa& with us of a truth. The stout* 
hearted trembled : as they did likewise in the evening, while 
I applied. Many are called^ but few chosen. 

Wednesday 7, 1 preached at Brentford, (and in the mom^ 
ingr) Thursday evening at Lambeth. At both places I 
found many who promise not to be forgetfiA^ hearers, but 
doers of the word. 

Being earnestly desired by our brethren at Newark, one 
hundred and twenty four miles from London, to come and 
open their new house, I took the mail coach, Friday 9, in the 
evening, and reached Newark the ne^t day about four in the 

G 2 



84 RtfV. JOHll WE8LEY*8 JO0R1IAL. fns. 178T» 

aAeraoon. Bot haying a great cold, and being so hoane fliat 
I oould not preach, I desired Mr. Mather to supply nj 
till I had recovered my voice* • 

Sunday 11, Having paitly recovered my voice, I 
ed in the new house at nine, a lightsome, cheerful imiidi^gy 
and gave notice of preaching at five in the afternoon. B«t 
it was not long before I received a message firom the mayor, 
io desire roe to begin preaching a little later, that himsdf 
and several of the aldermen, might the more conveniend^ 
attend. They all came at half an hour past five, and as many 
people as could possibly squeeze in. And God opened my 
mouth to speak strong words, and the hearts of many to re- 
ceive them. Surely God will have a people' in this place 
that will adum the doctrine of God our Saviour. 
• Monday IS, There being no places to be had in the York 
coach, Mr. Broadbent and I went across the countiy to 
Hinckley. I now enquired concerning tlie poor wretch, who, 
when I was bera last, while he was praying to God to damn 
his eyes, was in the instant struck blind. So it seems he con- 
tinued for some time. But as soon as he recovered his sight, 
he was just as profane as before. Although it rained and 
the people had no notice till we came, yet the preaching- 
house was quickly filled. And many, I believe, were filled 
with peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. 

Tuesday 13, Leaving the society here much alive tO'Gqd, 
I went on to Coventry. Here finding places vacant in the 
Liverpool mail coach, we set out in the evening, and reach- 
ed London the next mornings Wednesday 14. Thursday 
15, 1 preached at Deptford, and was agreeaibly surprised to 
find the threatning storm blown over, and all our brethren in 
peace and love with each other. From hence on Friday 16, 
I went to Rotherhithe, which used to be one of the most un« 
comfortable jAu^es in England . But it was far otherwise now; 
Many of the people seemed much alive to God ; and his 
presence was manifested in the congregation in a very un- 
common manner. 

Saturday 17, I went on in reading that odd book entitled, 
^ A Chinese Fragment." As to the Chinese themselves, I be- 



MARCH 1787.] RBV* JOHN WESLET's JaURMAL» 85 

lieve they are almost as religious, but nothing near so honest 
as the Turks. So that I account the contrastii^ them with 
the christians to be a mere pious fraud. Du Halde's word I 
will not take for a straw. But there are many and just re- 
marks in the treatise, to which few impartial men would have 
any objection, in whatever forhi they were proposed. 

Sunday 18, The power of God was, as usual, eminently 
present during the service at Spitalfields. In the evening I 
met the single women of the society, and advised them to 
make full use of the advantages they enjoyed : but I doubt 
not many had ears to hear : \ 

" For when had youth the leisure to be wise ? '" 

Friday 33, 1 met our family, and was pleased to find, that 
we are a family of love. There is not at present one jarring 
string, but we all hold the unity of the spirit in the bond of 
peace. 

Sunday 25, After taking a solemn leav#of our friends, ^ 

both at 'W^est-streo^ and the New Chapel, I took the mail 
coach, and the next evening reached Exeter a little after ten * 

o^clock. Tuesday 27, we went on to Plymouth-dock. The 
large, new house, far the best in the west of England, was 
well filled, though, on^so short a warning : and they seemed 
cordially to receive the exhortation, Rejoice in the Lordy O 
ye righteous. I had the satisfaction to find the society here 
in a more flourishing state than ever. Notwithstanding all 
the pains that have been taken, and all the art that has been 
used to tear them asunder, they cleave close .together, and 
consequently increase in number as well as in strength. 

Wednesday 28, We went over to Plymouth, and found 
the society doubled since I was here before. And they are 
both more loving than they were then, and more earnest to 
save their souls. It rained most of the afternocm. However, 
we had a crowded congregation in the evening ; and all of 
them seemed to feel that God was in the midst of them, for 
his word was sharper than a two-edged sword. In conse- 
quence of this, a large number attended at five on Thurs- 
day jnorning, March 1. Surely this is a time of love for 



V 



86 ^ rbt; MHN weslet's JOURNAL^ [maucjh 1787. 

poor Pljmouth also. O that they may know the day of 
(their visitation ! 

In the evening I preached again at the dock ; arid! again 
the power of God was present to^heal. The people seemed" 
to be all struck, -while I opened and strongly applied the 
Parable of the Sower, especially while I was warning thdkn 
to be beware of the cares of the worlds and the desires of 
other things. 

Friday S, I was desired to go over to Tarpoint, a village oh 
the Cornish side of the water. We were attended by a large 
company from the dock, and a great multitude from all 
/ quarters. I suppose a great part of these had never heard 

this sort of preaching before. They now heard with inex- 
preissible attention, and I believe not in vain. God opened, 
tuB it vf/dtey the windows of heaven, and sent a gracious rain 
upon his inheritance. I am in hopes a plentiful harvest will 
spring from the seed which was sown this hour. 
^ In the aftemdbii I went over to Plymouth, and drank tea 

'^ at Mr. Hooker's, the minister of the Jfew Church. He 

seems to be a man of an excellent spirit, and is a pattern to 
all the clergy round about. It rained all the evening ; but 
that did not hinder the house from being thoroughly filled 
with people that heard as for life. This congregation like- 
wise seemed to be, " all but their attention dead." The like 
has hardly been seen here before. What ! is God about to 
work in Plymouth also ? 

Saturday 3, Many attended at five in the morning, al- 
though it rained sharply. It likewise blew a storm : so it did 
all the day, as well as in the evening. The house was then 
crowded indeed, yet there was attention still as night : but 
God uttered his voice ; yea, and that a mighty voice, inso- 
much that the stout-hearted trembled. And it seemed as if 
he would send none empty away. But of these too, though 
many were called, I fear, few were chosen. 

Sunday 4, 1 began the service at half an hour past nine, 
and concluded it before one. I suppose such a number of 
communicants were never seen before at Plymouth-dock: 
but there was no disorder or hurry at all. There was more 



* 



rA9CQ 1787'.] ^BY. JOHN wbslbt's joubh^i*^ 87 

difficuUj' in the eyening. The throng was so great that it 
was impossible for me to get through them to the pulpU* 
So at length they made shift to lift me oyer the seats* Again 
God spoke in his word, I belieye to all that could get in ; 
but some could not, and were constrained to go away. 
Monday 5, the house was well filled again, both aboye and 
below. And after a sol^nn parting, we took coach at six, 
leaying such a flame behind us as was neyer kindled here 
befcnre. God grant that it may neyer be put out ! 
. We reached Exeter between two and three. In the eyen« 
ing I preached on JBy grace ye are sioxied through faith^ to 
as many as could possibly squeease into the room. It was a 
glorious opportunity. God uttered his yoice, and that a 
mighty one : it seemed to break the rocks in pieces, to make 
the stout-hearted tremble. I know not that I eyer saw such 
an impression made on the people- of Exeter before. 

Wednesday 7, It rained much while we were at Plymouth 
and at the dock, and most of the way from the dock to Exe- 
ter. But we had |Qyely weather to day, and came into Bath 
early in the eyenii%. So crowded a house I had not seen 
here for many years. I fully drfiyered my own soul, by 
strongly enforcing those ^wful words. Many are caUedy but 
few are chosen. I belieye the word sunk deep into many 
hearts. The next eyening we had another large congrega- 
tion equally serious. Thursday 8, 1 went on to Bristol, and 
the same afternoon Mrs. Fletcher came thither from Made- 
ley. The congregation in the eyening was exceedingly 
large. I took knowledge what spirit they were of. Indeed 
the work of God has much increased in Bristol since I was 
here last, especially among the young men, many of whom 
are a pattern to all the society. 

Friday 19, I went pver to Kingswood, and found the 
school in a better state than I expected, considering the 
want of a second master, which they had for some time la- 
boured under. Saturday 10, 1 had the pleasure of an hour's 
conyersation with Mrs. Fletcher. She appears to be swiftly 
growing in grace and ripening for a better world. I encou- 
raged her to do all the good she could during her short stay 



89 ]t£V. JOAN WEStiEY'g JOURNAL. [mAR6H I787« 

in Bristol. Accordingly sbe met in the following week, bm 
many of the classes as her time and strength would permit : 
and her words were as fire, conveying both light and heat to 
the hearts of all that heard her. 

Sunday 11, We had a solemn season at the room, both 
in the morning and evening, and also in the afternoon, at 
Kingswood, where the work of God revives as well as at 
Bristol. I strongly warned the people of Bristol of theic 
.indolence, through which the preacher had twelve, ten, or 
five hearers in a morning, and advised them to shake it off. 
Af any of them did so : and I suppose we had three hun^ 
dred on Monday morning ; one hundred and fifty on Satur* 
day, and between two and three hundred every morning of 
the week besides. 

Monday IS, and on the four days following, I met the so- 
ciety i they were considerably increased both in grace and 
number. In the evening we had a Sunday's congregation, 
and a very uncommon pouring out of the Spirit. If this 
continue, the society in Bristol will soon vie with that in 
Dublin. On Thursday 16, we had such^ another shower of 
grace : *many were wounded and many healed. Yesterday, 
that blessed saint, Sarah Bulgin, went to rest^ in the full tri« 
umph of faith. Sunday 18, I preached her funeral sermon 
to a listening multitude, and had such a number of commu- 
nicants as was never seen together at Bristol room before* 
In the evening we had a love-feast ; at which Mrs. Fletcher 
simply declared her present experience. I know no one that 
is so changed for the better in a few years, even in her man- 
ner of speaking. It is now smooth, easy, and natural, even 
when the sense is deep and strong. 

Monday 19, I left Bristol with much satisfaction, expect- 
ing to hear of a plentiful harvest there ; and in the evening 
preached at Stroud. The house was unusually filled both 
with people and with the power of God. Tuesday 20, we 
had a large congregation at five. Afterwards I met the select 
society, many of them enjoying the pure love of God, and 
constantly walking in the light of his c6untenance. We then 
visited one that was always sick and in pain, and always re- 



KARCEt 1787.] RBY. JOHN WE»LEY*8 JOVUVAhi 8ft 

joicing in God« Another man we found nearly in the same 
condition; always afflicted, and always happy. Mrs. Wa^' 
then, a few doors from them, left by a most affectionate 
husband with six children, is a pattern to all about her. I 
walked from hence through one of the loveliest valleys I 
ever saw, running with a clear stream in the midjst of it, 
between two lofty and fruitful mountains, sprinkled all over 
with little white houses. Between eleven and twelve I 
reached Cirencester ; and no larger place being to be pro- 
cured, I preached at one in our own room, to as many as 
could hear, either in or near it : and the labour was not 
lost : they all drunk in the word^ as the thirsty earth the 
showers. 

In the evening I preached to a multitude of people in 
the Tolbooth at Gloucester. High and low, rich and 
poor behaved well. I trust a good blessing is coming to 
Gloucester also. 

Wednesday 21, We had a numerous congre^tion at six, 
on whom I strongly inforced the great salvation. About 
eleven I had the satisfaction of spending an hour with the 
bishop, a sensible, candid, and I hope, pious man. The 
palace in which he lives, (once the priory,) is a venerable 
place, quite retired and elegant, though not splendid; .the 
chapel, in particular, fitted up by good Bishop Benson : 
the hall is noble, as are also two or three of the bedchambers. 
But how soon must all these change their possessor! 

Finding prejudice was now laid asleep, the tide running ' 
the contrary way, our friends thought it time to prepare for 
building their preaching-house, and a hundred pounds are 
already subscribed. In the evenidg I preacl^ed to a larger 
congregation than ever ; but all was still as night : and once 
more in the morning, on Whosoever doth the will of God is 
my brother J sister j and mother. 

Thursday 22, About noon I preached at Tewksbury, to 
the largest congregation I have seen there for many years : 
and in the evening to our lovely and loving people at Wor- 
cester, plain, old, genuine Methodists. . 

Friday 23, Notice haying been giveq, though without 



90 RKV* JOHN WB8LEY*8 JOUANAL. [MMICH 1787. 

my knowledge, I went over to Stourport, a small, new built 
Tillage, almost equally distant from Bewdly and from Kid- 
derminster. I bad seen Mr. Heath before, (a middle-9ged 
clergyman, who is going over to Cokesbury-college, and is, 
I bdieve, thoroughly qualified to preside there) I met his 
wife and two daughters here, who are quite willing to bear 
him company. And I think their tempers and manners, so 

^^ Winning soft, so amiably mild," 

i^ill do him honour wherever they come. 

At noon, abundance of people being gathered together 
from all parts, I preached on Isaiah liii. 6, 7. We have not 
had such an opportunity since we left Bristol^ the stout- 
hearted trembled ; and every one seemed almost persuaded 
to be. a Christian. The congregation at Worcester in the 
evening seemed to be of the same spirit : and Grod spoke to 
every heart. 

Saturday 24, I went on to Birmingham; but my hoarse- 
ness increased, so that I was afraid the people would not 
}iear me in the evening ; but they did, though the congre- 
gation was uncommonly large. Sunday 85, having promised 
to read prayers and administer the sacrament, I knew not 
how I should do : but, as we were going to the house, Mr. 
Heath, just come to town, overtook us : so he read prayers, 
and assisted me in delivering the sacrament to seven or eight 
hundred communicants. In the evening the house at Bir- 
mingham, as it was rainy, contained half (I suppose) of 
those that would willingly have come in. Those ^at could 
get in found it an acceptable time, and we all praised God 
with joyful lips. 

Monday S6, I spent an agreeable hour with th^ select so- 
ciety. Most of them still enjoy the pure love of Grod, and 
the rest are earnestly panting after it. I preached in the 
evening, at the request of a friend, on 8 Cor. v. 19, &c. 
Many seemed to receive the word with all readiness, and 
I trust will bring fiMrth fruit with patience. ' 

Tuesday 87, I went on to Wednesbury. As it rained 
great pait of the afternoon, most of the congr^ation could 



MARCH 1787.] ABV. JOttH WESLET's JOtTBlTAL. 91 

get into the house ; and I took knowledge of the ancient 
spirity although most Of aur first hearers are gone to rest. 

Wednesday 88, About ten Mr. Home, from M adeley^ 
read prayers in the church at Darlaston, and I preached on 
those words of Ruth, in the first lesson. Thy people shall be 
my people^ and thy God shall be my God* We have had 
no such time since I left Bristol. The flame of love seemed 
to melt many hearts. What has God done for Darlaston I 
How are the last become first ! 

In the evening I opened the new house at Wolverhamp- 
ton, nearly as large as that at Newcastle upon Tyne. It 
would not nearly contain the p6dd[e, though they were 
wedged together as closely as possme. I believe such a 
congregation was never seen in Wolverhampton before : not 
only so serious but so well behaved. I hope this is a token 
forgood. 

Thursday S9, About twelve I preached at Lane-End. It 
being too cold to stand abroad, the greater part of the earnest 
congregation squeezed into the preaching-house. 'f'Here we 
entered into the country which seems to be all on fire, that 
which borders on Burslem on every side; preachers and 
people provoking one another to love and good works in 
such a manner as was never seen before. In the evi^ning I 
preached at Burslem. Observing the people flocking toge- 
ther, I began half an hour before the appointed time ; but, 
notwithstanding this, the house would not contain one half 
of the congregation : so, while I was preaching in the house 
to all that could get in, John Broadbent preached in a yard 
to the rest^ the love-feast followed, but such a one as I 
have not known for many years. While the two or three 
first spoke, the power of God so fell upon all that were pre- 
sent, some praying and others giving thanks, that their 
voices could scarcely be heard: and two or three were 
speaking at a time, till I gently advised them to speak one 
at a time, and they did so with amazing energy. Some of 
them had found peace a year ago, some within a m6nth or 
a week, some within a day or two; andione of them, a 
potter's boy, told us, ^^ At the prayer meeting I found my* 



93 RBT. JOHN Wesley's journal, [april 1787* 

self dropping into hell; and I cried to the Lord, and he 
shewed me he loved me : but Satan came immediately, and 
offered me a bag of money as long as my arm; but I said, 
^ Get thee behind me, Satan.' " Several also testified, that 
the blood of Christ had cleansed them from all sin. Two 
declared, after bitter cries, that they knew their sins were 
just then blotted out by the blood of tihe Lamb. And I doubt 
not, but it will be found, upon enquiry, that several more 
were either justified or sanctified. Indeed there has been for 
some time such an out-pouring of the Spirit here, as has not 
been in any other part of the kingdom ; particularly in the 
meetings for prayer; &^ti or twenty have been justified in 
a day: some of themmd been the most notorious, aban- 
doned sinners in all the country. And people flock into the 
society on every side; six, eight, or ten in an evening. 

Friday 30, I had appointed to preach at five in the morn- 
ing : but soon after four I was saluted by a. concert of mu- 
sic, both vocal and instrumental, at our gate, making the 
air ring, with a hymn, to the tune of Judas Maccabeus. It 
was a good prelude : so I began almost half an hour before 
five; yet the house was crowded, both above and below. I 
strongly, but very tenderly, enforced that caution. Let him 
that standeth take heed lest he fall: and is not God able to 
make them stand ? Yea, and he will do it, if they walk 
humbly with God. 

In the evening I preached at Congleton to a serious and 
well-established people. Here I found my co-eval, Mr. 
Troutbeck, two months, I think, younger than I, just as 
a lamp going out for want of oil, gently sliding into a better 
world. He sleeps always, only waking now and then just 
long enough to say, " I am happy." 

Saturday 31, I went on to Macclesfield, and found a peo- 
ple still alive to God, in spite of swiftly increasing riches. 
If they continue so, it will be the only instance I have known 
in above half a century. I warned, them in the strongeet 
terms I could, and believe some of them had ears io hear. 

Sunday, April 1, Fearing nothing so much as lest a peo- 
ple so much at ease should settle upon their lees, I preached 



APRIL 1787.] RBV. JOHN waslbt's journai*. 93 

at the new church in the most awakening manner I could, 
on Rev. xx. 19, ^^ I saw a great white throne coming down 
from heaven." I then hastened to Manchester, and endea- 
voured to convince a crowded congr^ation of the full 
spiritual meaning of these important words, 3y grace ye are 
soDed through faith. 

Monday S, About noon I preached at Stockport, and in 
the evening at Manchester, Where I fully delivered my own 
soul, both then and the next, day. Wednesday 4, I went io 
Chester, and preached in the evening on Heb. iii. 12. Find- 
ing there was no packet at Parkgate, I immediately took 
places in the mail coach for Holyhepd. The porter called 
us at two in the morning on ThurMay, but came again in 
half an hour to inform us the coach was full: so they re- 
turned my money, and at four I took a post-chaise. We 
overtook the coach at Conway, and crossing the ferry with 
the passengers, went forward without delay : so we.came to 
Holyhead an hour before them, and went on board the Le 
De Spenser between eleven and twelve o'clock. At one we 
kft the harbour, and at two the next day came into Dublin- 
Bay. 

On the road, and in the ship, I read Mr. Blackwell's 
Sacred Classics Illustrated- and Defended. I think/fae fully 
proves his point,' that thelfe are no expressions in the New 
Testament which are not found in the best and purest Ghteek 
authors. In the evening we had a Sunday's congregation, 
and a blessing from on high. I then retired to my lodgings, 
which were at Arthur Keen's, about half a mile out of 
town ; a pleasant, healthy spot, where were peace and love, 
and plenty of all things. 

Sunday .8, (Easter-day) I preached in Bethesda, Mr. 
Smyth's new chapel : it is very neat, but not gay, and I 
believe will hold about as many people as West-street 
chapel. Mr. Smyth read prayers, and gave out the hymns, 
which were sung by fifteen or twenty fine singers : the rest 
of the congregation listening with much attention and as 
much devotion, as they would have done to an opera. But 
if this Christian worship ? Or ought it ever to be suffered in 



04 MXV. JOHN WBSLeVs JOURNAXi^ [afsil 1787* 

a Christian church ? It was thought we had between seren 
and eight hundred communicants : and indeed the power 
of God was in the midst of them. Our own room in the 
evening was well filled with people, and with the pies^ioe 
of God. Afterward we had a love-feast, wUch, 1 suppose, 
might have continued till midnight, if all had spoken that 
were feady to speak. 

' On Monday and Tuesday I preached ag4in at Bethesda^ 
and God touched several hearts, even of the rich and greats 
80 that,- for the time at least, they were ^< almost pc^rsuaded 
to be Christians." It seems as if the good Providencci of 
God had prepared this place, for those rich and hoQourabk 
sinners, who will not- deign to receive any message from 
God, but in a genteel way. 

•Wednesday 1 1 , By conversing with many of our firioids 
I found they were stilL increasing in grace as w^ a^. in 
number. The society now contains upwards of a thojasand 
members, so that it hasroutrun all in England but tjhat of 
London. After this amazing flow we must expect an ebb; 
it will be well if only two hundred of these fall away. On 
Thursday and Friday the congregations were still uncook- 
monly lar^, and seemed to feel all thaf was spokea- 

Saturday 14, Even at the Gravel-walk, where < the con- 
gr^ation used to be small enough, the house was crowded 
in the evening: although the soldiers (seventy or eighty. of 
whom are in the society) could not attend, it being the hour 
of their roll-calling. 

Sunday 15, I preach^ first at the new room, and b&^ 
wards at Bethesda. Many fair blossoms we see here abo ; 
and surely some fruit will follow. In the evening our house 
could not contain the congregation, though they s^ueeiied 
together as closely as possible. I believe few of them heard in 
vain. Such attention sat on every face as I seldom see even 
in Bristol or London. 

Monday 16, I set out early, and preached at Prosperous 
about ten, to a numerous congregation : and, although. I 
had Qome ten miles out of my way, I did not regret my 
labour. In the evening we came to Philipstown, whichiwe 



A'PBIL I7B7.} ]|£T. JOtCK WEgLEr's JOfTBKAL. * 95 

had forsaken for nearly forty years : yet at length there is a 
prospect of good : a little society is formed, and some 
troopers, who are part of it, keep all the town in awe. 
The congregation was as quitet as that in Dublin, both in 
the erening and at seven in the morning. Here is seed 
sown once-moi^; and 'God is able to gire a plentiful 
harvest* • ^ 

Tuesday 17, I crossed over to my old friends at ^yrrel's- 
pass. It was supposed the house would hold the congrega- 
tion in the evening, but it would hai^dly contain a fourth 
part 6f them : so I preached in the y^d, not only to Pro- 
testants, but (I was infomled) most of the Papists in the town : 
and we found God was no respectcar^^of persons. Wedneth 
day 18, the house was well filled "in the morning, and we 
had a comfortable season ; as also at Goolylough in the 
evening, where Grod spoke to many hearts. 

Thursday 19, About noon I preached at Kenagh to a 
numerous congregation. For many years we seemed to be 
beating the air here. But a few months since God so blessed 
the preaching of poor John Bredin,' just tottering over the 
grave, that we have now a lively society, swiftly increasing 
both in grace and number. We went hence to Longford, 
where a multitude of ptople soon assembled in the town- 
hall. I found much liberty of speech, and I have seldom 
seen a congregation' more afl^cted. I observed one genteel 
woman, who kept her eyes fixed, from the beginning to 
the end; and was agreeably surprised when she called 
upon me, to findx>ne of my old flock at Castlebar. Once, 
more she has set her hand to the plough. ' May «he never 
look back! 

Friday 20, I went to Athlone, and preached in the even- 
ing to a congregation of deeper experience than any I had 
seen since I left Dublin : yet the next day I thought it ex- 
pedient to press' upon them the advice of the Apostle, IM 
him that assuredh/ standeth (so it should be rendered) take 
heed leit he fail. ' ' , 

Sunday 32, I opdaed and applied that glrilrious text^ The 
help that hdont upon earth he doth it himself ^ Is it not 



96 REV. JOHN 'VfESLBY's JOURNAL. [APRIL 1787. 

strange, that this text, Psalm Ixxir. 13, is vanished out of 
the new translation of the Psalms ! I found the work of God 
much increased here. And it is a favourable circumstance, 
that of the three ministers in the town, two are our &st 
friends, and the third no enemy. The wind driving us into 
the house at six, we were crowded sufficiently : afterwards 
I administered the sacrament to the society, and not ^t^ithout 
a remaAable blessing. 

Monday 23, Having taken leave of our affectionate friends 
at Athlone, I went on to Ballinasloe. But here we were at 
a loss ; the usual preaching-place would not contain half 
ihe people : and the wind was so high and so extremely 
cold, that they could not stand abroad : however, we made 
the best shift we could with two rooms, together with the 
passage and staircase. I strongly explained, what it is to 
build upon the sand. And all that could bear seemed to re« 
ceive the word gladly. Some, I hope, will bring forth fruit 
with patience. 

The church at Aughrim was so filled in the evening as it 
scarcely ever was before. I believe, God enabled me to 
find the way to the hearts both of Protestants and Roman 
Catholics. I never saw so general an impression made on 
the people of this town before. In the morning, Tuesday 84, 
the presu;hing-house was well filled ; and I exhorted them 
in St. John's words, " Look to yourselves, that ye lose not 
the things which ye have gained, but that ye receive a full 
reward." 

I did not find either so large or so serious a congregation 
in the church at Eyre-court. I preached between ten and 
eleven to a number of unconcerned hearers, and then went 
on to Birr. 

There has been lately a great shaking among the dry 
bones here. The congregations are much increased, and hear 
with deep attention, and several members have been added 
to the society. I would fain have preached in the square as 
I did before, but the wind and rain did not permit : so, as 
many as could, crowded into the preaching-house. I 
preached on / am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; a 



nyip ikidopcd (Melfy by 6Vil shaffie, 6otoi b^g altog(eib€$if 

WedhekliB^' SS*, t oiiccf iii^tfe tislited my old friendsi a£ 
'f^naiAcite. U«fe^ flit tbe lisdkxttiei iti £ardip6' dofie sfo muck 
good asf «ati cfMAter-bddlEulce tin kaftil, ^^^c^ one of them 
dld^ here a yeatf or t#o ago? If took fire in ite fKght, and 
^N^pp^ if cfchvtt (m- (MMg am^ ttnotbev of the (hatcbed houies 
^ fiist, that if was not possible to ^aench il tiH most of the 
ftrnn was burnt do\m. I preached in the assemblj-room to 
a large congregation, a! few of whom ftre stiH alive to God. 
In the morning, for the sake of good okt Matthew Moor, 
who is not Mely to hear me i^aitr, I preached in his par- 
lour, to as many as that and the otbeir rooms would contohr, 
on Luke xx. 34, &c. ^^ They neither marry nor are given 
in marriage: neither can fhey die any more, for -they are 
e^ual to angels, and are the chrldr^ of Gcd^. being the 
children of the resurrection.'* 

Thuftday S6, About noon I preached at Portarlington, 
not in the noisy mairket-place, but in our own house,^ 
thoroughly iiled with mttedtive heafers. In the evening I 
preached! in the church at Mount-Mdlick, faueger than either 
that atf!yie€o«tfl or Anghrim^ and the whc^ congregation 
behaved well : I hav^ seen few such since I left Dublin. 

FrkJay 27, We went to Kilkenny, nine and twenty Irish 
miles from Moittt-MeUick. Religion was here at a low ebb, 
and scarcdy any society left, when God sent three troops of 
horse, several of the men are full of fidtb and love ; since 
tiiey came, the work of God has revived. I never saw the 
hnose so filled sbce it was built. And the power of God 
seemed to rest upon the congregation as' if he would stiU 
httve a people in thu place. 

Saturday 38, I preached^ in the morning to about a hun« 
Ared peopie at Kilkenny, on the general judgment. They 
secHHsd! to f&A what was i^ken. I left Mr. Kane bdiind 
floe S6t two or three days^, to foHbW the blQ||r* And I trust, 
before he leaves ike town, God witt lay waulb a foundatioii 
even there as shall never be- overflirown. 

VOL. VI. H 



98» REV. JOHN Wesley's journal.* [april 17874 

4 

We reached Carlow before noon, and were much refresh* 
ed with the hearty affection of our brethren, who had not 
forgotten me, though I had not visited them for nearly six- 
teen years. In the evening I preached at the assembly-room, 
U> a large and tolerably serious congr^ation. They seemed 
more serious in the momin|^* Sunday S9, when I spoke in a 
manner more suited to their capacities, in largely explain- 
ing, and strongly enforcing, our Lord's One thing is need* 
fuL The church is far the neatest, though not fine, of any 
I have seen since we left Dublin. The rector came after 
service, and spent nearly an hour with us in friendly con- 
versation. In the evening I would have preached in the 
open air, but the wind was too cold and too high : so I ap- 
plied the I3th of 1st epist. of Corinthians in the assembly- 
room, to the most serious congregation I have seen at Carlow. 
And here is a plentiful harvest; the rather, because several 
of the troopers quartered here, are much alive to Grod,* and 
adorn in all things the doctrine of God our Saviour. 

Monday 30, We went over high iand steep mountains, 
interspersed with lovely valleys, to Buncloady; now called 
)ifewtown-Barry, one of the pleasantest towns which I have 
seen in the kingdom. Here we rejoiced to meet Mrs^ Cook- 
^lan, with sister (Henry) Moore, and Miss Acton, from 
Dublin, who caitie oai purpose, and willingly accompanied 
us to Waterfotd, woid thence to Clonmell. I preached in the 
assembly-room here also ; but to. a congregation very little 
awakened : but how soon can our Lord say to any of thesey 
^^ Lazarus, come forth!" 

About noon we reached Enniscorthy. Here likewise the 
use of the assembly-room was promised: but. a clergyman,' 
(whose father died in black despair, crying out, ^^ The room 
was full of devils,") caused that promise to be rdjracted.\So 
I stoiod in a large yard^ and though it blew a storm, we had 
an exceedingljr lar^ congregation, three, or perhaps four 
times as many as the aasembly-room would have contained. 
I preadhed on ,]^ we let him thus alone^ all men wUl beUeve 
on him* ^ To avoid the ferry, we went the mountain way, 
and about five came to Wexford.- 



wTAY'lTST.J het. jroHH wEgLEY'6 j<ytritNAL/- '^ 

* 

Were evei" assembly-rooms put to better ^nse?' That in 
Wexford, whferem I preached, was one of the largest I 
ever saw : and high and low, rich and poor, flocked to- 
gether; and it seemed as if many of them were ripe fbr 
(he gospel. I expect there Will be a good harvest in this 
place. • *. 

Tuesday, May 1, Setting out early in the morning, be- 
tween 'nin^ and ten I preached in the church at Old Ross, 
to a large company of as plain country people as ever I saw 
in Yorkshire. We reached Waterford between two and 
three : at six I preached in the court*house to ah immense 
congregation, while a file of musketeers, ordered by the 
mayor, paraded at the door. Two or three hundred attend- 
ed in the morning, and gladly received the whole truth. 
In the evening the congrisgation was larger than before, and 
equally attentive. 

Thursday 3, I took my leave of this earnest, loving peo- 
ple, and w^nt on through a delightful country to ClonmelL 
At six I preached in the court-house : I was much sur« 
prised : I know not ^hen I have seen so well-dressed, and 
ill-behaved a congregation : but I was told, it was the same 
way that they behiVid &Vchurc5R Pity, then, that they do 
not turn Papists. The^ CUurch 6( England needs no such 
members : ' they arfe nb' bonodr to it • 

Friday 4, With gre^t difficulty we gbt over a most hor- 
rid road to Cappoquin :'.- but that from thence to Tallow, 
(eight miles) was exceedingly pleasant ; the remaining ten 
miles were very tolerable, ^o that we reached Youghall in 
good time. The court-house was thoroughly filled at six, 
and above half filled at five in the morning. Saturday 5, 
we went on to Cork : the latter part of the journey was plea- 
sant beyond description. At a very small distance on the 
left hand, the river 

*^ Rolled its sinuous train ;" 

beyond which were shady trees, covering a steep hill^ and 

rising row above row. On the right we had another sloping 

mountain, tufted over with trees; sometimes forming one 

green even wall, sometimes scattered up and down. Between 

H 3 



tbesie appeared aeveeal beautiful s(^^ij^ ^ome of them fit for 
loUemen. At six ia the Qyeaiii^ the pmichiug^hcme 
would ill contain the ccvgcegalian. And many of the wlk 
and honowable were ^MQ^qng tbeqi I Wha hath warned tbete 
to flee from the wrath to. lopme 2 

Sunday 6, We had an ^^yening congregation at ^e^en^ 
whom I warned to order their cauvmnation aijght. At three 
in the afternoon I preached on the road to a numaroua qoft-» 
grq^ation ; but many of them, especially the genteeler sort^ 
were rude as coita untamed. We stawed the people togethev 
in the eyening as closely as it was possible.; but stUI many 
were oo^straAned to go away,, finding no place, eyen at. th^ 
door. 

Monday 7^ The congregatipn at fiye in the morning wna 
little inferior io, that we used to see on Sunday eyeing* l^hif 
time also we had many of the gay and honoun^le, wImi 
seem at present almpst persuaded io be Christians. O what 
shoals of h^f-awak^ned sinners w31 be bK094 awal^j^ when 
it is' too late* On Tuesday lili^ewise th^ ceij^frcg^tioQi 
were exceediig]iy laigf^x ^^. d^ep , atteatjoa sat on ^^tQT 
&ce. : • : -i ' : • . •.■ "j ■ ■ 

Wedpesdeiyt 9y Wet vf^ni io Baacl^^'' h^m alsa thei^ 
)mi¥,bei?n a rcfoaxkf^ili^Ti^k of God, nfkd jet uot WJilhwt 
many backsliders. It wi^ therefore^ iqy chief husiBMl h^i^ 
to silrengthen. the weak, audi reea^^ tjbe wanderers. ^ ^ (he 
eyening I preached io. the. asse^ibly-room, (whvQh wa^ Qf« 
^ed me by tbc' pronrost^jr pa J^ipep s^/ 1 gitoe thee u^^ 
Ephraim.? And God appliedt hi^ wcord. I belieye there wa^ 
a.general 99i?Itupif aj(i^ng the pec^e^ and numyjpt^rp^^e^^to 
return to God. But the room was esceedingly hot, and cqi* 
tremely crowded; and yet would not neariy coi;itaia> th^ 
congregation. Thursday 10, the preaching-house was fiUed 
at five in the morning; and again I applied direct]{;r to 
backsliders, and found, a strong hope^ that the times of re- 
j^esbing will soon come from the presence of the Lord. 

At noon we topk a walk to Castle-Barnard. Mr. Barnard 
has given it a beautiful firont, nearly resembling that of 
Lord Mansfield'a house at Cane«Wpod> and opened part of 



bin lorely pftrk to the hmue, ^\ich I tkink has now as 
beautiful a sitaation as RockJsgham-house m Yoikdiiie. 
Mr. Barnard mudi ttcsemUes in pandn and air, the late 
Sir George SatiUe. Thouj^h he is &r the richest person in 
these parts, he keeps no raee-herses or hoends, bat Icyves 
his wife and home, andspdAds his lim^ «ad fortane in im* 
proving his Estate, and employing the pdor. Genttemen oF 
this spirit are n Messing to their neighbotudiood^ May God 
increase their number! 

In the erring, findbig no building wonld contain thd 
congregation, I stood in the inain street, and testified to a 
listening multitude, Thh is m^ ytHit teit. I tlien admi« 
nistered the Lord's-Supper to the society, and God gate «k 
a remarkable blessing. 

Friday 11, I took an affectionate leave of our friends at 
five. I left them full of good desi^ tmd resolutions. Gal^ 
ing on one that was- ill at Innishanilon^ wold was Quickly 
brought me,, that the people were flocking together to the 
preaching^ouse. It was soon filled from end \o end; and 
I preached to theni Jesus Christ made df God to us wisdom^ 
righteousness^ sanct^atiotij and redevfuptum. 

About noon I preached in the court-house at l^insale to a 
very large congregation : but how diflerent from that which 
I had in the bowling-green two yea^ ago! That was one of 
the most indecent, ill-mannered congregations that ever I 
saw in Ireland: this was as eminently wdi-behaved ; the 
sovereign and many genteel persons being among them. It 
was no wonder to see the congr^ation at Goik, in the even- 
ing, equally well-behaved : so they always are; the chief 
of the city being no longer bitter enemies, but cordial 
friends. 

Saturday 19, A gentleman invited me io breakfiist with 
tny old antagonist. Father O^Leary. I was not at all dis- 
pleased at being disappointed. He is not the stiff, queer 
man that I expected ; but of an easy, genteel carriage, and 
seems not to be wanting either in sense or learning. In the 
Bftemoon, by appointment, I waited on the mayor, an up- 
right, sensible man, wUtf is diligentiiy employed, from mom* 



•41 



102 RJS¥. JOHN WB8LEY*8 JOUBNAft. T^Ar 1787« 

ing to night, in doing all the good be can. He has already 
prevailed upoh the corporation to make it a fixed rule, that 
the two hundred a year, which was spent in two entertain- 
ments, should, for the future, be employed, in relieving in- 
digent freemen, with their wives and children. He has care- 
fully r^ulated the House of .Industry, and has instituted a 
Humane Society forthe relief of persons seemingly drowned. 
And he is unwearied in removing abuses of every kind. 
When will our English mayors copy after the mayor of 
Cork? He led me through the mayoralty-house, a very 
noble and beautiful structure. The dining-room and the 
hall-room are magnificent, and shame the mansion-house in 
London by their situation, commanding the whole river, 
the fruitful hills on every side, and the meadows ruiming 
between them. He was then so good as to walk with -me 
quite thro\igh the city, to the House of Industry, and to go 
with me throughr all the apartments, which are quite sweet 
and commodious. A hundred and ninety-two poor are now 
lodged therein ; and the master, (a pious man, And> It mem- 
ber of our society,) watches over them, reads with them, 
and prays with them, as if they were his own children. 

Sunday 13, We had a very comfortable opportunity at 
eight in Cork. At three Mr. Broadbent preached on. the 
parade. At five; as we removed the benches and stowed the 
people close together, the room contained most of the people. 
And I took a solemn leave of them, after closely applying 
our Lord's question. Do ye now believe? 

Monday 14, We went to Kilfinane, about twenty Irish 
miles (so I compute) from Mallow. I preached in the 
court-bouse, about seven, to a lai^e and serious audience, 
and again at five in the morning, Tuesday 15, W6 then 
went on, through a delightful country, tou Limerick. Here 
were always an afiectionate people; but I never found them 
so much so as. now. It was too cold in the evening to stand 
abroad : so we squeezed, as many as possible, into the 
preaching-house. I preached on Thou shall love the Lord 
thy God with all thy heart. MajUy here once experie^iiied 
this; but few, if any, retain it nak 



<«: 






MAY 1787.] BEV. JOHN WESLEY's JOURNAL. 108 

Wedaesday 16, The congr^ation at fire filled the house 
^ almost as Mrell as it vfBs filled in the evening. Finding a re- 
inarkable deadness, I enquired what were the reasons of it^^ 
and found, 1, There had been for several inonths a deep 
misunderstanding between the preachers and the chief of the 
society: hence, on the one hand, the preachers had little 
life or spirit to preach, and on the other, the congregation 
dwindled away : 3, Many had left off meeting their bands^ 
and many others seldom met their classes : 3, Prayer-meet- 
ings were entirely given up. What wonder if all the pe(^le 
were grown dead as stones ! 

In the evening I endeavoured to re-awaken those that 
were settling upon their lees, by strongly applying those 
solemn words, The first shall be last^ and the last first / for 
mantf are. called^ but few are chosen. In the morning, 
Thursday 17, I endeavoured to stir them up once more to 
hunger and thirst after righteousness, after the whole image, 
of God, without which they will still remain 

" Cold^ languid, weary, heartless, dead." 

After morning service I met the, stewards and leaders, and 
enquired into the rise of the late misunderstanding. I found 
the matter itself was nothing ; but want of patience on both 
sides had swelled the mole-hill into a mountain. O how 
patient, how meek, how gentle toward all men, ought a 
preacher, especially a Methodist, to be! 

In the afternoon I walked through all the parts of the 
workhouse, called in Ireland, the House of Industryr It is 
pleasantly situated on a rising ground near the river, and I 
believe would contain about three hundred pei:sons. (That 
at Dublin contains six hundred.) At present there are about 
eighty persons there, the contributions falling short. The 
' apartments are large, airy, , and sweet ; and the poor, most 
of whom are employed, seem contented. 

£very time I preached, I found more and more hope that 
God will revive his work in this city. I know he will, if 
the prayer-meetings are restored : these are never without 
fruit. 



JM; wmw* ^0BW wwMfir'n #0vi^iiAX. [hat 1787. 

JFA(hy I89 I aet out early m ihe moming and reached 
Casdebajr f^bout four in tbe aAemoon. I bad much iCODver^ 
^tipn Yfiik Mrs. Penise, a woman of many ffocrowsi but; 
when she has been tried, she shall oMue forth as gold. 

In the evening I preached KiUchrist, abcmt ibnr miles 
lirom Castjebay. The numbar of ihe people coostrabed me 
to stand in the open air, though the wind was high and cold. 
They w^e all attentive and serious, except one yonng gen« 
tleman, who would fain have laughed if he coidd : boi his 
sport W9S qiuckly spoiled ; and before the sermon was half 
over, he was as serious as his neightxiurs. 

Saturday 19, In two hours and a half we came to Athen- 
ry, the rival of Kifanallock, once a flourishing city, now a 
heap of ruins : but even these are now covered wiUi earth. 
It was built by King John, as well as the other, and seeau by 
its walls to have been one of the largest cities in the kin^ 
dom. Being wrongly directed when we left.this, we got al* 
most to Galway, going about six miles out of our way to 
Cahir-Morriss. However^ I reached Ballinrobe in time to 
preach to a large and well-behaved (although genteel) con- 
gregation. I preached again at eight in the morning, Swi** 
day 20, and then banned on to Castlebar* We went 
straight to church* I preached at five in our new bouse» I 
think larger than that at Limerick, and throughly filled with 
as attentive a congregation as any I have seen in the kingdom^ 

Monday 21, Little misunderstandings between themselves 
have continually hindered the work of God in this society. 
This morning I heard the contending parties face to faoe^ 
and once more made them friends. A numerous ^oagrega* 
tion listened with all attention in the evening, to tbst import 
tant word of oar Lord, Whosoever doth the wUl of Go4y tht 
same is my brother y and sister ^ and mother. Tuesday 89, 
one of the men confined for murder, earnestly importuned 
me to visit him. I did.so ; but he seemed as dead as a stone a 
and I did not wonder; for such an action, performed in 
cool blood, I never heard of before. Mr. M^Donnel, who 
had his leg wounded by one shot, and both his arms broke 
by another, was sitting on the ground when this wret(^ 



MAT 1787. ] SBV. JOHK WBHCiir 's JTOVJUf AL. lOS 

came and pneBentod a Umiderbass t he begged only five 
minutes to say hispniyeis: Andrew jwore, ^^ No, act one;** 
asid iaaiaotly shot bim through ike keaft ! This whole trans- 
actioa, firom the hegimiiiig to the end, contaiatng rach a se* 
riea of cabii) ddiberate murder, perpetrated wkh mich shock- 
lag circtiaQstaDces, is hardly lo be paralleled in history. 
Some time since a ^rewd man said, ^^ This eomitry will 
never be in quiet till one of these men has murderad the 
other, and then is hailed for it/' 

Wednesday 23, Leaving our little society in peace and 
love, we went by Swiaeford to 8Iigo. * At six I pimched in 
flie new coort house, a very spacimis and comroodioi» 
buUdii^, to a more numarous and more attentive congiega* 
tion tiian I have seen here for many years. A hu^ congre- 
gation was present again at five id the m<miing, Thun* 
day 84 ; so that I am not without hope, the work of God 
may at length revive here also. I had purposed going 
stmight from hence to Annadale; but notioe had been given 
of my preaching at If anor«hamilton. It is true, this was 
five or six miles out of my way, and abundantly worse road. 
However, I would not disappoint the poor peo[de : although 
by this means Mr. Sbick's dinner was <klayed till near six 
o'clock. I i»eadied at seven to a very serious congregation, 
and passed a comfortable eveniag. 

Friday 25, 1 had a day of rest in this lovely &mily, only 
preaching morning and evening. Saturday 26, 1 preached at 
Baliyconnel about eleven. In the afternoon I took a walk in 
the bishop of Kilmore's garden. The house is finely situ« 
ated ; has two fronts, and b fit for a nobleman. We then 
went into the church-yard and saw the venerable tomb, 
a plain, flat stone inscribed, Depositum Guliehni Bedel, 
quondam Episcopi KlUnorensis ; over whom even the rebel 
army suag, ^^ Requiescat in pace idtimus Anglorum." ^< Let 
the last of the Englishmen rei^ in peace." At seven I 
preached to a laige congregation : it blew a storm, but 
most of tho oongrq^tion wore covered by a kind of shed 
mised for the purpoee : and. not a few were gieatly com* 
forted. 



>/ 




106 BEY. JOHN WBSI.BT'8 JOURNAL. f MAY 1787* 

Sunday S7, 1 preached in Cavan at seven, and then hast- 
ened forward to Clones, leaving Mr. Broadbent to preach at 
Ballyhays, -which he did with good effect : but I needed not 
to have been in such haste ; for the church service did not 
begin till twelve. Such a number of communicants, I sup- 
pose, was never seen at this church before. The service 
ended about half past three. The question then was, Where 
I should preach : The furious wind and violent rain made it 
impracticable to preach (where I attended) at the head ci 
the market-place : but I made shift to stand on one side of 
it in a door- way, whAe I was pretty well sheltered. AU 
though the poor people were exposed to heavy rain during, 
the whole sermon, none of them seemed to regard it. And 
God did indeed send a gracious rain upon their souls, so 
that many rejoiced with joy unspeakable. 

Mon. S8, Having all the parties together, I enquired intot 
an odd affair which occurred here a few months ago. F. B., 
leader of the class of single women, and always hitherto of 
an unblemished character, was accused of immodesty by 

Mr. A y in whose house she had lived for several years. 

I found this accusation to be totally groundless! 2, John. 
Carr, one of our oldest members, with a few others, spent an 
hour in reading and prayer, while a local preacher was read- 
ing a sermon at the room. This was represented to the as- 
sistant as done in a spirit of opposition, and as an intention 
of leaving the society, (a thing which never enteted into 
their thoughts) and he was urged to read them out of the 
society : accordingly he read out fourteen at once. I could 
not find, upon the strictest enquiry, that they had been 
guilty of any fault but meeting together that evening : so I 
willingly received them all again ; requiring only one condi- 
tion of the contenders on both sides, To say not one word 
of any thing that was past. The Spirit of peace and lovC'. 
gloriously descended on them all at the evening preaching, 
while I was explaining the fruit of the Spirit. They were, 
again filled with consolation at the Lord's-Supper, and 
again in the morning, while Mr. Broadbent applied^ Com* 
fort yey comfort ye my people^ saith the Lord. 




1. %l 



\ . JOHN Wesley's jouhnal. 107 

, . ijr old murderer is restrained from hurting 

socnis he has power over my horses. One of 

as obliged to leave in Dublin, and afterwards another ; 

-.ij3 bought two to supply their places : the third soon 

w .^.i ugly swelling in his shoulder, so that we doubted 
lH^clhcr we could go on. And a boy at Clones, riding (I 
Mippose galloping) the fourth over stones, the horse fell and 
l^arly lamed himself : however, we went on softly to Aug- 
Halun, and found such a congregation as I had not seen be- 
fore in the kingdom. The tent (that is a covered pulpit) 
was placed at the foot of a green, sloping mountain, on the 
■ide of which the huge multitude sat (as their manner 
b} tow above row. While I was explaining God has given 
MKio US his Holy Spirit^ he was indeed poured out in a won- 
derfVil manner. Tears of joy and cries were heard on every 
«ide : only so far suppressed as not to drown my voice. I 
rClsnnot but hope that many will have cause to bless God for 
ibat hoar to all eternity. 

..*f!l preached at Lisbelaw, another little village, about six in 
|te «vening : the smallrain continued all the time ; but that 
Bid not hinder the people from mightily rejoicing in him, 
^ho causes ^^the earth to bring forth at once, and a nation 
te be bom in a day." 

f^- Wednesday SO, A large room, designed for an assembly- 
MNHn, was filled in the -morning : and the poor people ap- 
peared to be quite ripe for the highest doctrine of the gos- 
pAi 80 I exhorted them, leaving the first principles, to go 
im to perfection. About eleven I preached in the market- 
kmsc at Inniskillen, formerly a den of lions : but the lions 
me become lambs. They flocked together from every part, 
and were all attention. Before I had half done, God made 
^ivre'hiii arm, and the mountains flowed down at his pre- 
jpfepce. Many were cut to the heart, and many rejoiced 
Jirith joy unspeakable. Surely the last shall be first : and 
djpK>r Imiiskillen shall lift up its head above many of the 
where the gospel has been long preached. 

In the evening I preached to another numerous congrega- 
nt Sidare, a large house at the foot of the mountains.. 




108 BBT. JOHN WISLBT'S JOOAITAL. [MAT 178T« 

One would wonder whence all the pec^te came t tfaqr teem- 
ed to spring out of die earth. Here ako thne were once 
many bitter persecnton, bat they are yanished away Ute 
smoke ; several of them indeed came to a fearful eod, aal 
their neighbours took warning by them. 

Thursday 31, We tiavelled through a pleasant, wdl-otl- 
tivated country to Omagh, the shire town of l^rone. It 
being market-day, a multitude of people presmtly flocfced 
tc^ether to a tent, as they call it, on the side of the gteoi. 
At first they were innocently noisy, (this being a new thing 
at Omagh,) but they were soon still as nigfa^ I suitod mf 
subject to their experience, preaching on It k appoimtedfift 
nil men once to die. God applied it to their hearts. Not a 
«mile was to be seen, but ail seemed to feel the aoieam 
truth. 

Thence we went over mountains and dales to Kerlish^ 
Lodge, where we met with a hearty welcome, both firoia 
Alexander Boyle, and his amiable wife, who are pattema td 
all the country. Although we were at a lone home ten tniks 
ftom any town, and although the weath^ was both raimf 
and stormy, we had a large congregation in tbeeveaing, and 
afterwards a comfortable love^feast. I do not wonder the 
work of God spreads in these parts. The spirit ami bdi»> 
viour of Mr. Boyle and his wife, continualiy employed in 
doing good, have an amazing influence on all their neigih 
bourhoood. Some time she went to his uncle's at Killraii, 
who has four daughters grown up. They l>egan cbnversinf 
in the evening : they praj^, and sung, and talked, and 
prayed again, till about seven in the momii^. By diat 
time all four of them found a clear sense of pardon, and two 
believed they were saved from all sin. 

Mr. Boyle had spoken to Dr. Wilson, the rector ci a 
neighbouring town, concerning my preaching in the church) 
who wrote to the bishop, and received a letter in answer, giv- 
ing a fiill and free consent. The doctor desired me to bieaftr 
fast with him. Meantime one of hk parisbioneis, a waim 
seceder, took away the key of the church, so I preached in 
a neighbouiii^ orchard : I believe not in vain. The tetikk 



^wn 17870 KRV. JOHN wmley's #o<rBirAi«« M9 

vd hia vife.were i& tbe ffobt of the congfcgatioiu Afihet# 
w«id we took a vkw of Lord AbefCora's place. Tbe 
kcMise biMi a lof^Ajf iitnation ; and-tb^ firont of it ia as ele« 
gMt at a«j I baTe seen dytka: in Great-Bfitaia or Irdkund* 
The groaadi are deligbtful iadeed,. pef haps equal to any in 
tbekfi^QBu 

About five in the ereaiaig I preaebed at KUlrail. No 
bouaewoitU eostain the coagrq^ationi ; bo I preached in 
Ae open air. The wind waa pierdof I7 cold^ but the people 
Mgafded it not. Afterward I adninisteied the Loid's« 
Soppcir to ahjmt a hundred of tbein, and then slept in 

Satusday, June 9^ It was with difficulty we reached Sba* 
bane,, my new horse quite failii^. I had no thought of 
pieachiDg there till word was sent that the town-hall was at 
9iy smriee. I thea wont te it without delay, and had a 
gented, yet aerioua, congrq^ation; la the afiemoon np 
horse failed again ; but one of the preachers tried his; and 
he diew as if he had been bred to it. Our bouse at Loadon- 
tery not beiDg ready , I preached at six in tlie toWn-hally 
ab^tiftd and spacieua roon, to a deeply sarious co^gieN 
gation^ Sunday S^ it was more iwmierout id the anoming 
and equatty serious: so was the great congscgatieB ia the 
OT^ning. SUrely we riiaU see moie fruit ia thi» cit^ ; bttt 
iist. we shall hate need of patience. 

Stoaday 4y Mr.. Broadbrnt preached at ftre, and I at 
dcnreay and he ia tiie etinmitig: heaid thesame oaTaesp 
d^y 6. At noon we tocdi^a walk in the bishop's garden, and 
saint his ddighlful summer-honae^ a room fifty feet long^ 
fiaisfted with the utmost eleganec^ and situated on the point 
ef a hin that commands the tini«r anel aB; the country* 
But his lordship has uttedyfoBahe& it: jfar it is: no loaget 



Wfdneadaj 6y I took iQareef my dear fitienda dA LoadeKs 
iffoyy, md diove to Newtoim Linsrady. I had no de- 
agtt: to preach ttiea e. Bat while we were at bteak&st, the 
peo ftc weaa gadheercd so fiist that I coidd net desy them. 
IShehefuse^wasiSOOu fiU^fvaafrendtoend. I e^pkumd t« 



110 EBv; j<vh:n wbslby's joiritNAiri [jukb 1787» 

them^ the fellowship believers have with God. Thence I 
went on to Colerain, and preached at six, (as I did two 
years ago) in the barrack-yard: The wind was high and 
sharp enough ; but the people here- are good old soldiarst. 
Many attended at five in the inoming, and a large congre- 
gation about six in the evening. Most of whom, I bdieve,' 
tasted the good word ; for Grod was with us of a truth. 
. Friday 8, I could willingly have stayed a little longer,' 
with this steady, affectionate people. But I broke from' 
them between six and seven, and went forward, as wdl as 
the heavy rain, and a tired horse, would pem^t. Alxmt;t)»o 
we reached Ballimena, where we have a small and poor^ 'bat 
well-established, society. The Presbyterian minister ofiering 
his meeting-house, I willingly accepted his offer, and ex-^ 
plained to a large congregation, God was in Christ reean^^ 
citing the world to himself. And I believe his word fell 
on many as the rain, and as the dew upon the tender 
herb. 

Saturday 9, We went through a lovely country to An- 
trim. Here likewise the Presbyterian minister offered me the 
use of a large and commodious house. The Bible in the 
pulpit lying open, I chose for the subject of my discourse, 
thi^ words which first met ray eye, namely, When they had 
nothing to pqy^ he franktt/ forgave them both. The 
greatest part of the country from hence to Belfast is likewise 
exceedingly pleasant. At six I preached in the linen»hall to 
a numerous and seriously attentive congregation. A gentle- ^ 
man invited me to lodge at his house, and shewed me the 
new Pi^esbyterian meeting-house. It is nearly seventy-two 
feet by fifty, and is far the most beauttfiil of any I have 
seen in Ireland: but I doubt whether it equals Dr. TaylorV 
in Norwich ; that is the most elegant I ever saw. 

I preached at ten in the linen-hall to double the congre- 
gation that attended in the evening. And the power of God 
came wonderfully upon them, ^ melting their hearts and 
breaking the rocks in pieces. In the. afternoon I preached; 
in the linen-hall at Lisbum to a still more numerous, congre- 
gation^ I, think the largest that I have seen since we left 



jlTNE 1787. 1 BBY; JOHN WESLEY's JOURNAL^ 



lit 



England. And all, excepting a few giddy children, bebaved 
as men that heard for life. 

Monday II, It being the quarterty-meetiiig, I preached 
at eleveiii in the Presbyterian meeting-house, a large and 
handsome building, freely offered both by the minister and 
bis elder» : and it then contained the congregation : but, ift 
the evening, the multitude of people constrained me to re^ 
turn to my old stand in the linen-hall. And I have hardly 
had so solemn an opportunity since we came into the 
kingdom. 

Tuesday 13, We came through a most beautiful country 
to Downpatrick, a much larger towni than I -imaginied ; I 
think, not much inferior to Sligo. The evening was uncom- 
monly mild and bright, there not being a cloud in the sky. 
The tall firs shaded us on every side, and the fruitful fields 
were spread all around. The people were, I think, half as 
inany more as were at Lisburn even on Sunday evening. 
. On whom I enforced those important words, Acquaint thy^ 
ielf now with hiniy and be at peace. 

Wednesday 13, Being informed we had only six-and- 
twenty miles to go, we did not set out till betweea six and 
seven. The country was uncommonly pleasant, running 
between two high ridges of mountains : but it was up hiU 
and down all the way, so that we did not reach Kathfriland 
tilt nearly noon. Mr. Barber, the Presbyterian minister, (a 
princely personage, I believe, six feet and a half high) 
offering ,me his new spacious preaching-house, the congre- 
gation quickly gathered together. I began without delay to 
/Open and enforce. Now God commandeth all men, every 
whetCj to repent. I took chaise the instant I had done ; 
but the road bqing still up hill and down, we were two 
bouts going wh^t they called six miles. I then quitted the 
bhaise and rode forward. But even then, four miles, so 
called, Jtodk an hour and a half riding, so that I did not 
reach Dr. Lesley's at Tandragee till half an hour past four. 
About six I stood upon the steps at Mr. Godly's door, and 
pi:eached on This is not your restyio ^^Iwgi^ congregation, 
%^. %i third,; ;thw even thi^ at Doi^i^patviok. ; I sourcely.re-: 



Hcnber to kaveseeo ft krgcr, imless » Lottdan^ YorksbuR 
or Cornwall. 

Ttnmday JM, Mf • BfOidHMit and I waUced! nmnd Di 
Ledej's domaUi. I faar^ not vem any tliii^ of the fiite i 
Ei^trad that is ecpial to* it. This boase steads aa the nidi 
o£ afraitful hili, ivMch s part lN»eath, and part wbare it 
la af^proacbiag ilk jmi sm ao wallsy nollliag but gvcen tree 
and dkrukw of Taiious kindd. Batmr the coiurt-jani aia 
gafe, and yim ttitt see no stone waUs:; but on eitber bMid 

<< The verdurous wall of paradise upsprings :" 

and tbat ramaier and wintiCT> eonsistii^g whMj ef ev^ 
greens, that bbiam aU tifie year round. Oa the uj^ei? siil 
o§ Ae boaae, tite gently-rising hill yields the tovliest seem 
ilkat can be conceived & soeb a misttttre of shady walbs^ aai 
lawns, sprinkled with tiees ; at the top of whidi is^ a nataia 
sack, ander which yoa nay sit and eomniand a nest beaa 
tifiit aad extensive prospect. And all this vaffieljy baa risei 
from a rough, furzy heath, by the industry of Dr. LesSeg 
kt thivty years. 

I expected, the cengnegation would not be so large tlril 
evening as it was the* last ; bull it was {but larger, and, if pea 
siUe,. mote attentrvie. i have scarcdy ever seen » mm 
pkasing sight. We were eoveved round with tall, shariD 
trees, only a» opeaii^ on' ene side afforded a view of til 
widcs«xtended countapy . Th^ people were as motionlessi a 
the tiees; iliv the power ef God was upon them. And 1 ba 
lieve few of tbem wiH forget that hour tf U their spinels mUm 
toGod. . 

Friday 15, Aibout eigbt I preached at Rich-bill to a derp 
If serious congregation. At eleven I preached in tile Casfle^ 
yard at Cbarlemoiit to a lan^ eongr^ation, gadiered hM 
all parts, (it being the quarterly-meettng.) Imme^alriff 
feHowed the tove^feast : but the preaehing-house" wouId» aai 
contain one«*bailf of the people ; so we borrowed the gaM 
m the forty and let the people^ through the wicket^ oM^tj 
onei They then sat' do wn< Off the grass^ being fult as |^¥ai 
at in tbetbouse ^ aodt laany spokrP tbehr ea^erienoe qiM 



JUNE 1787.] RBV. JOHN wesleVs jouanal, il3 

freely; but the rain obliged us to brjeak off our meeting 
s6bner than we intended. It began in the evening before I 
had finished the' hymn, but stopped in two or three minutes, 
and left us a fair and tolerably pleasant evening. 

Saturday 16, I went on to Dungannoo ; but the town 
seemed to be in an uproar. One would have thought Bed- 
lam had broken loose : the cause was this, a cock-fight was 
at hand. A gentleman asked the Presbyterian minister for 
the use of his meeting-house, but he gave a reason for his 
denial, viz. That Mr. Hall, one of the society, had said, 
he had played at cards all night, (which, it seems, was 
true :) and therefore, he could not allow him to come into his 
meeting-house : so we removed all the benches out of our 
own, and it contained most of the congregation. I preached 
there again in the evening, and then held a love-feast; at 
which many were greatly comforted. 

Sunday 17, We knew not what to do at Armagh ; the 
rain would not suffer us to preach in the avenue. And our 
house would not contain half of the congregation, many of 
whom came from far. The best shift we could make was to 
squeeze into the house as many as possible; and keep both 
the windows and doors open, by which means many more 
could hear. 

In the evening the Seceders, (who would think it!) freely 
gave me the use of their large meeting-house. It was filled 
firom end to end ; but a wise young gentleman observed, that 
I had ^^ quite mistook my subject. My sermon being calcu- 
lated for the vulgar, not for gentlefolks." 

I permitted as many as our house would contain to stay^ 
at the meeting of the society, and gave them a plain ac- 
count of the Methodists, both as to their rise, principles, 
and practice. 

Monday 18, Many seemed not a little moved while I en- 
forced the words of Eliphaz, (it seems the. eldest and most 
honourable of Job's three friends,) Acquaint thyself now 
wiih hini^ and be at peace. Afterwards we took a view of 
th6 primate's lodge and chapel, elegant in the highest de- 
^, and of the domain surrounding them, which is laid 

VOL. VI. I 



IIA JiiT. JOHN wBaLBT's jouiuf4i«. [Jim£ 1787. 

« 

tmt and planted in (be most beautiful maiuier. And whtl 
hath the owner of it ? Not so much as the beholdii^ 
^b^eof with his eyei! Pjrobably he will behold it no motel 
He is fully taken op in bailding a large seat near DttUiH; 
at above eighty yean of age I 

' ^^ Tu secanda marmora 
Locas sub ipsiim funus, et sepulchri 
Immemor struis domos !^' 

§ 

' In the evening I preached once more in Mr. M^Gough's 
ttVenae, and a listening multitude seriously attended. Surely 
Ihere will be a harvest here also by and by, aldiongh hither^ 
to we see but little fruit. 

Tuesday 19, We went on through horrible roadi to 
Newry. I wonder any should be so supid as to prefer, tiie 
Irish roads to the English. The huge unbroken atoKS, of 
which they are generally made, are enough to break any 
carriage in pieces. No ; there is nothing equal to good 
English gravel, both for horses, carriages, and travdlem. 

In the evening I preached to 2l- numerous congregatioii in 
the large meeting-house, i believe many felt the tdge of 
file word sharper than a two-edged sword. One conse- 
quence of which was, that our new room would not ccHitain 
the congregation even at five in the mcmiing, bat many 
were constrained to stand witiiout. Between nine and ten 
I preached in the mariket-faouse at Dundalk : we eicpected a 
-tumnit, but there was none at all. A very large congregejfion 
of rich and poor behaved with the titmost decency, while I 
Reinforced, Now hike Accepted time : now is ffie iofg vfisal' 
'edtion. At mx in the evening I preached in the oonrt-houae 
'^ Drogbeda to a crowded ^congregation, on I saw tkeAwly 
small and greaty stand before God. Even in this toAulent 
fdwn all were quiet, and seemed to feel diat God was 
iihere. 

Thursday 31, Several of our friends frem Dublin met us 
lit the Man-of-War, with wliom we went on to Sworda, a 
town famous, from tme immemorial, for all manner of wick- 
edness: however, finding a congregation waiting, I began 



wUh^wli delf^: and aU w^e stitt 91^ QSgbt : so salvatton b come 
to- tbe f^Q^Fs of gwordi e^^^ In tks aflemooa it pleased 
(^ (a bring 11$ ${|fe td I>abU% wbeok w^ had Ii^to absent a 

Friday 99y I b<^an visiting tke classes, Tihieh employed 
me ta the Thur^y foHowing. We found it necessary to 
exclude one hundred and tweWe meaibeffs : there remained 
eleven huadred and thirty six. 

Sunday 24:, At seven I preached in tbe room. At eleven 
the aervice began at Betbesda* I Jbuod uncommon liberty 
there> even among the ridi and great. I think some of them 
lelt our Lord Reseat, both to wound and to heal. In the 
evems^J preached at the new rooai, and it was just aa 
much iisvl;^vild dp withQut weariness. 

Tji^efday 86, Wet were agre^bly aurpvised with the ar-» 
rival of Dr. Qoi^y who caiKve from Phibdelphia in nine and 
t^^^ty d^ys, and g9-ve ^s a pleasing account of the work of 
Qod in America. Thursday S8, I had the pleasure of a 
eoBversation with Mr. Howard, I think one of the greatest 
men in Europe^ iNatbiug but the mighty power of God 
ean enable bim to go through his difficult . and dangerous 
employjoa^utSi Qut what can hurt us, if God be on our 
side? 

Saturday 30, I desired all Qur preachers to meet me, and 
eonsidev the state of our brethren in America, who have 
been terribly frightened at their own shadow, as if the 
English preachers were just going to enslave them. I be-* 
lievQ that foax is now over, and they are more aware of 
SAtan> devices. 

,7 Sunday, 2Fuly 1^ At ^seven I strongly exhorted a large 
congregation^ Not to be comformed, either to the wisdom, 
spirit, OS fashions of this world, if ever they desired to be 
transformed in the spirit of their mind, according to the 
perfect and acceptable will of God. In the evening I opened 
and applied thos^ awful words, Lord^ are there few that 
be saved? 

{Tuesday S, A few friends took me to Marino, a seat of 
Lord Charlem9M-l^ four utiles from Dublin. It cpntaitis 

I 2 

/ 



d 



116 REV. JOHN WBSLBY^S JOUAKAL* [jULY 1787« 

A lovely, mixture of wood, Water, and lawns, on which are 
several kinds of foreign sheep, with great plenty of pea- 
cocks; but I; could not hear any singbg birds of any kinds 
I a little wondered at this ; till I afterwards recollected that 
I had not heard any singing bird, not even a lark, a thrush, 
or a blackbird, within some miles of Dublin. In the even- 
ing I strongly enforced those awful words. Strive to entep 
in at the strait gate^ upon a numerous congregation, • who 
had ears to hear, and hearts to receive the whole gospel. 
' Wed. 4, I spent an hour at the New Dargle, a gentle- 
inan's seat four or five miles from Dublin. I have not seen 
BO beautiful a place in the kingdom : it equals the Leasows 
in Warwickshire. And it greatly exceeds them in situation,' 
all the walks lying on the side of a mountain, which com- 
mands all Dublin-bay, as well as an extensive aiid finely 
variegated land prospect. A little river runs through it 
which occasions two cascades, at a small distance from eiach 
other. Although many places may exceed this in gratideur,* 
I believe none can exceed it in beauty. Afterwards I saw 
the parliament-house. The House of Lords far exceeds that 
at Westminster : and the Lord-Lieutenant's throne as far 
exceeds that miserable throne (so called) of the King in the 
English House of Lords. The House of Commons is a nobte 
room indeed, it is an octagon, wainscotted round with Irish 
oak, which shames all mahogany, and galleried all round 
for the convenience of the ladies. The speaker's chair is far 
more grand than the throne of the Lord-Lieutenant. Biit 
what surprised me above all, were the kitchens of thehousej^' 
and the large apparatus for good eating. Tables were plaoedf 
from one end of a large hall to the other, which, it seems, 
while the parliament sits, are daily covered with meat at 
four or five o'clock, for the accommodation of the members.: 
Alas ! Poor Ireland ! Who shall teach thy very senators 
wisdom? War is ceased. . 



^^ Sad saeivior armis, luxuria incubuit ! 



»> 



Thursday 5, Most of our preachers came to town. Fri- 
day 6, our Conference began, and ended, as usual, on 



jruLT 1787.] KEV. JOHN Wesley's joubnal. 117 

Tuesday 10. We had no jarring string, but all, from the 
beginning to the end, was love and harmony. 

Sunday 8, I preached at our room at seven. At eleven 
the service began at BethesdiEt. The congregation was ex.* 
ceedingly large. I preached on part of the second lesson, 
(Luke XX. 34 ;) and many had a large taste of the powers 
of the world to come. At the love-feast in the evening, 
many spoke freely, who were deeply experienced in the 
ways of God : indeed they have fairly profited in the divine 
life. I have rarely heard such a conversation even in Eng<- 
land. On Tuesday evening likewise many spoke with equal 
fire, tempered with meekness of. wisdom. 
- Wednesday 11, At five I took an afiectionato leave of 
this loving people. And having finished all my business 
here, in the afternoon I went down with my friends, having 
taken the whole ship, and went on board the Prince of 
Wales, one of the Parkgate packets. At seven we sailed 
with a fair, moderate wind. Between nine and ten I lay 
down as usual, and slept till nearly four, when I was waked 
by an uncommon noise, and found the ship lay beating 
upon a large rock, about a league from Holyhead. The 
Captain who had not long lain down, leaped up, and run- 
ning upon the deck, when he saw how the ship lay, cried 
out, " Your lives may be saved ; but I am undone;" Yet 
no sailor swore, and no woman cried out. We immediately 
went to prayer ; and presently the ship, I know not how, 
shot off the rock and pursued her way, without any more 
damage, than the wounding a few of her outside planks. 
About three in the afternoon we came safe to Parkgate; and 
in the evening went on to Chester. 

• Friday 13, I spent a quiet day, and in the evening en« 
forced, to a crowded audience, the parable of the sower. I 
know not that ever I had so large a congr^ation.. 

Sunday 15, I preached at the new church at Maccles* 
field in the morning, cm Matt. v. SO ; in the afternoon, on 
1 Cor. xv^ 55. Mr. Broadbent in the room at eight in the 
morning, and b^ween five and isix in the evening. 

Monday 16, The house was well filled at five in the morn- 



118 REV, JOHN tlTESLET's JOirnilAIik [jlTiiY 1787. 

log. At nkion I took 1 view of Mr. Ryle'6 'silk-mill^ ivfaidi 
keeps two hundred and Bftj chMdren in perpetual era^oj^ 
meiit. In the evening I preached On Murk iii. -SS, and "we 
bad a :eomfortable o^ortuliity • 

V '•Tuesday 17, Abotit nt>on I preached in the new cbapel 
at Balloct-srtrithy, and in the evening at Steciport. Being 
informed thfat the people in general were dead and coM, 1 
strongly appJied, Noto * U high time to awake ottt of deep. 
Y9od was pleased to i^peak in his word, and lihat witb a 
mighty voice : but still mote powerfaHy at five in the morn- 
ings Wednesday 18, white I was enforcing that promise, 
The Lordp whom yeseek^ will suddenly tome to his temple. 
I then retired to a little iiouse of Mr. Brocklehurst's, two 
miles beyond Mandiester. Here Adam Oldham lived ! O 
what did tichk {Jtoflt hirti! Hbw stratige tlie Providence 
which put mt ih his ptercd? 

The rest K>f thjs week I ^pent in writing. On Saturday Sl^ 
I returned to Manchester, ^unday 21^^ our service began at 
tea. Notwithskmdiqg the severe cold, which has continued 
many days, ,t1ie house was well filled : but my work was 
easy, as Dr. Coke assisted me. As many as could, crowd- 
ed in in the evening. But many were obliged to go away* 
Afterwards I s^pcnt a comfortable hour with the society. 

Monday SS, I preached morning and afternoon. Ik the 
everting I met the bands, and admired their liveliness -and 
simplicity. After preaching on Tuesday morning, I re- 
tired again tOiBruiim. Thursday £6, about noon, I preached 
in the new preaching-house, to as many as it woidd weil 
contain, on Isaiah Iv. 5, 6. T^-day^ read, upon the road, 
a very agreeable book, Mr. Dobb'« U«iversJil fiistoiry. It 
gave me a clearer view of ancient times than ever I liad 
before. But I still doubt of <many famous incidents, wbiich 
have passed curreilt for many ages. To instance, in one, I 
cannot believe tbeve wefre ever such a nation >as the Amaeons 
in the ^orld. The whde a&ir of the Argonauts I judgjs to 
be equally iaibulous ; as Mr. ^Bryant has shewn many fMurts 
of .ancieiit tSstory to be. (And no wonder, consideiiDg ^w 



AWf4 1787.3 Ksv. gromr wibsut'^ iF^^rovAiM ltd 

allegories and poetic hhim have been mistaltfn for leiii 
histories. 

After preaching at Rochdale, I was agreeably surprised 
by a.young woman that called upon me. Several years a; 
girl, thirteen or fourteen years old, was remarkable for 
piety. But a year or two. after, when I called uppn her, 
with great expectation, she had not the leait savQur of it 
left. She came on purpose to ii^orm me^, thai God had re* 
stored her, and she was now determined, to live and to did 
to him. God grant she may ! .She will either be an aban- 
doned apostate, or a shining Christian, 

Friday 27, The house was well filled at five. I have not 
seen so large a morning congregation, in proportipn to the 
size of the town, since I retprnepl to Euglanjd. I wa^ ^lyited 
to breakfast at Bury, by Mr, Feele, a callico printer, who^ 
a few years ago, began with five hundred pounds, and is 
now supposed to have gained fifty thousantl potnds* O 
what a miracle, if be lose not. bis soul! 

Thence we went oih to Bc^lton. Here axe eight.bundied 
poor children taught in o^x Sund^y'-lcbgols, by about 
^hty mMem, who receive no pay but whattbey are t^jcer 
c^ve from their great master. AbouA afbundred of them^ 
part boys and part girls, a^e taught to. sing. And they sang 
90 true, tbat^ all singing together, they seemed to be but one 
¥Oice. The house was thoroughly filled, . while I explained 
and applied the first commandment. What is all morality 
or rdigion without this ? a mere castle in the air. In the 
ev^ing, many of the children still hovering round the house, 
J desired forty or fifty to come in and sing^ 

" Vital spark of heavenly flame." 

Although some of them were silent, not being able to sing 
fyt tears, yet the harmony was such as I believe could not 
be equalled in the King's chapel. 

Sunday, August 5, In the morning I met* the select so- 
^ ciety, a lovely company of humble, simple Christians. Se- 
veral of them a{q^red to have sound and deep experience 
of the thinga of God, jmd to stand ateadfaat in the liberty 



199 BfiV. JOHN! VEStFr- 8- JOURNAL.. [aVG. ISffiT. 

wherewith Christ had made them free. The house was at 
ten full and warm enough. Mr. Home read prayers, and 
read them well. I preached on those words in the first 
lesson, How long halt ye between tvDo opinions? And was 
ambled to press the question home, on the consciences of the - 
hearers. We had five clergymen, although three only could 
officiate, and twelve or thirteen hundred communicants : 
and the master of the feast was in the midst of us, as many 
found, to their unspeakable comfort. After preaching in 
the evening, I took a solemn leave of the affectionate socie- 
ty.. Here, at least, it undeniably appears, that we have not 
run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 

Moild&y 6, Having taken the whole coach for Birming- 
ham, we set out at twelve o'clock, expecting to be there, as 
usual, about five in the evening. But having six persons 
within, and eight without, the coach could not bear the , 
burdeny but broke down before three in the momitig. Hav- 
ing patched it together, as well as we could, we went on to 
Congletbn, and got another. In an hour or two this broke 
also. And one of the horses was so thoroughly tired, that he 
could hardly set one foot before the other. After all these 
hindrances, vrc got to Birmingham just at seven. Finding a 
large corigregatiuu waiting, I stepped out of the coach into 
the house, and began preaching without delay. And such was 
the goodness of God, that I found no more weariness when 
I had done than if I had rested all the day. 

Here I took a tender leave of Mrs. Heath and her lovely 
daughters, about to embark with Mr. Heath for America; 
whom I hardly expect to see any more, till we meet in 
Abraham's bosom. 

Tuesday 7, Setting out a little before five, we reached 
Worcester between ten and eleven : resting till half past 
twelve, and taking fresh horses at Tewksbury, we reached 
Gloucester before five o'clock. About seven I preached to 
a numerous congregation in the new house, on I am not. 
ashamed of the gospel of Christy and strongly applied the 
words to those whom they concerned. This night was one 
of the hottest I ever felt in Europe. 



At76*'J/r87.] ABV. JOHN WBSfLBY's 96VnVAt. ' I9I 

Wednesday 8, We set out at two^ and from the time it 
was light rode through one of the pleasantest countries I 
ever saw. Before five we came to Rodbury-place, but we 
were far too early for so genteel a family. Before we reached 
Malmsbury, one of my horses fell lame: so I sent my own 
chaise and horses directly to Bristol, and took post chaises 
the rest of the day. » . 

. About half an hour after four we came to Salisbury, de^ 
signing to go straight forward to Southampton : but, to our 
great surprise, there was not a post-chaise to be hired in the 
town. After waiting some time, we were informed that no* 
tice had been given of my preaching in the evening. I then 
saw the providential reason why we could not leave Sarum. 
The house was full enough in the evening, and great was 
the power of God in the midst of them. 
. Thursday 9, Desiring to be at Southampton, as soon as 
possible, > we took chaise at four in the morning, and, 
making but a short stay at Rumsey, came thither betweoi 
eight and nine. We found two sloops neaily ready to sail; 
the Captain of one promised to sail the next morning : so we 
sat down content. At seven in the evening I preached iii 
Me. Fay's school-room, to a small^- but deeply smo^t: con- 
gregation, on It is appointed to men once to die: I believe 
some of these will not be forgetful hearers, bai will bring 
forth fruit with patience. ^ . * 

Friday 10, At six I preached to nearly the same number^ 
on Heb. iv. 14. In the aft;ernoon I went with a gentleman, 
(Mr. Taylor) to hear the famous musician that plays upon 
the glasses. By my appearing there (as I had foreseen) a 
heap of gentry attended in the evening. And I believe 
several of them, as well as Mr. T. himself, did not come in 
vain. 

Saturday 11, We went on board the Queen, a smart 
sloop, and sailed eight or nine leagues with a tolerable wind : 
but it then grew foul, and blew a storm, so that we were all 
glad to put in at Yarmouth harbour. About six Dr. Coke 
preached in the market-house, to a quiet and tolerably atten- 
tite congifegation. The storm continuing, at eight in the 



N 



morning, Sunday IS, I preached to a mucb lai^er congre- 
gation. I had uncommon liberty of speech^ and I believe 
Bome of Ihem felt that God was there. At eleyen we went to 
church : th^re was a toiemble congregation) and all re- 
markably well behaved. 'The minister read prayers very 
seriously, and preached on Blessed are the poor m spirit. 
At four I preached again on Luke xix* 42, (part of tlie 
second lesson in the morniog) O thid thou hadst kntmny &c. 
the market-house was now more than filled : and not a few 
seemed to hear as for life. In the evenbg Dr. Cok« 
preached again. We have now delivered our own souls 
at Yarmouth, and trust God will suffer us to go on to 
Guansey. 

Monday 13, We set ont from Yatmoiith with a fiiir 
wind, but it soon turned against us; and blew so hard, that 
in the afternoon we were glad to put in at Swani^. I found 
we had stiU a little society here. I had not seem thrnn for 
thirteen years, and had no thought of seeing them now ; but 
G^od doeii idl things well. 

In the eFeniflg I preached in the Pre^yterian meeting* 
house, not often, I believe, so well filled ; and afterwards 
passed half an hour, very agreeably, with the miniater^ Jo 
tiie parsonage house^ which he relets, a neat, retired boose^ 
wKh a delightful garden. Thence we adjourned to the house 
of our old Brother Collins, and between eight and nine Irent 
on board. 

Tuesday 14, Sailing on with a £iir wind we ful^ eio 
pected to reach Guernsey in the afternoon ; but tbe win4 
iuraing contrary, and blowing hard, we found it would he 
impossible. We then judged it best to put in at the I^ of 
Aldemey; but we were very near being shipwrecked in 
the bay. When we were in the middle of the rocks^ wjfkh 
Ahe sea ripling all round ib, the wind totally faikd. Had 
ihis continued we must have striucfc upon one or other of the 
•rocks. So we went io prayer, aid the wind sprung «p mr 
«tantly. About snn-set we landed, and thoogh we had fim 
heds in the same room, .slept in peace. 

Alx)ttt ^igfat 2 went idown to a ^xnivement spoi »on the 



Atm.( 17S7«] Rcr* >obn trssLBT'^ journal* Its 

beach) and began giring out a hymn : a woman and two 
lUitie children jdined lis immediatdy. Before the hymn was 
ended we had a tolerable congregation, all of whom behaved 
well; pait indeed contkaed at forty or fifty yards distance, 
but they were all quiet and atte&tiye. 

It ha{]pened| to speak iii the vulgar phrase^ tbat three c«r 
four who isailed with us from Eo^laiid, a gentleman with hi9 
wife aad sister, were near relations 4d the Governor^ He 
came i6 us this ja$mhig; and when I went into th^ room 
behaved with the atmost courtesy. This little circumstatice 
may remove prejudice, and make # mcNre open way for the 
^e^el. 

Soon after we set sail; and after a very pleaflant passage, 
thtoi^gh little iislainds on either band, wis came to the veae« 
table castle, 'iftandiog on a rock, abouit a quarter of a mile 
from Guernsey. The ble itself makes a beautifi^ appear* 
aaee, spreading a$ a crescent to th^ right ;md left; about 
seven miles long and five broad, part b^h land and part 
low. The town itself is boldly situated^ rising higher and 
higher from the water. The first thing I observed in it was 
very narrow streets, ajMl exceedingly high hpuses. But we 
quickly went on to Mr. de Jersey's, hf^ly |i mile from the 
town. Het^ I found a moat cordial welcome, both from tJbfe 
master of llie house and ail his family. I piseachixl at sevea, 
in a laige room, to as deeply serious a congregation as I 
ever saw, on Jesus Christy of God made wOo us wUdom^ 
righteousness f sanctificationy and redemption. 

Thursday 16, I had a very serious congregation at fiv^e 
in a large room of Mr. de Jersey's house. His gardens and 
oichards are of a vast extent, and wonderfully pleasant. 
Aiid I know so nobleman in Great-Britain that has such 
imiety of the most excellent fruit, which he is every year 
inoreasing^ <$itber from France or other parts of the Oonti- 
neat. Wfaait quantity of fruit he has, you may conjecture 
from one sort only. This summer he gathered fifty pounds 
of istrawbenrm daily, for six weeks together! 

la the ovening I preached at the other end ef the town m 
our owi ^eachlos^house. rSo Humy (feoplo squoesed in^ 



124 REV. JOHN WE8LET*S JOURKAL. fAaO* 1787; 

though not nearly all who came, that it was as hot as a 
stove : but this none seemed to regard, for the word of God 
was sharper than a two-edged sword. > 

Friday 17, I waited upon the Governor, and spent half 
an hour very agreeably. In the afternoon we took a walk 
upon the pier, the largest and finest I ever saw. The town 
is swiftly increasing; new houses starting up on every side. 
In the evening I did not attempt to go into the house, but 
stood near it in the yard, surrounded with tall, shady trees, 
and proclaimed to a large congregation, God is a spirit y and 
they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in 
truth. I believe many were cut to the heart this hour, and 
some TLfA. a little comforted. 

Saturday 18, Dr. Coke and I dined at the GovenuM^s. 
I was well pleased to find other company. We convened 
siftriously for upwards of an hour, with a sensible, weO-bred, 
agreeable man* In the evening I preached to the largest 
congregation . I have seen here, on J^. viii. S3, and they 
were aU attention. Surely God will have a people in this 
place. 

Sunday 19, Joseph Bradford preached at six in the morn- 
ing at Mont Les Plaisie Tenes, to a numerous congr^a- 
tion. I preached at half an hour past eight, and the house 
contained the congregation. At ten I went to the French 
church, where there was a large and well-behaved ccHigre- 
gation. At five we had the largest congregation of all ; of 
whom I took a solemn and affectionate leave ; sis it is pro- 
bable I may not see them any more till we meet in Abraham's 
bosom. 

Monday 20, We took ship between three and four in the 
morning, in a very small inconvenient sloop, and not a swift . 
sailer, so that we were seven hours in sailing, what is called, 
seven leagues. About eleven we landed at St. Heller's, and 
went straight to Mr. Brackenbury's house. It stands very 
pleasantly near the end of the town, and has a large, con- 
venient garden, with a lovely range of fruitful hills, which 
rise at a small distance from it. I preached in the evening 
to an exceedingly serious congregation, on Matt. iii. alt. 



AUG. 1787.] RKV. JOHN WESLBt'S JOURNAL. 125 

And almost as many were present at fiye in the morning,' 
whom I exhorted to go on to perfection, which many of 
them, Mr. Clarke informs me, are earnestly endeavonring 
fo do. 

' Tuesday SI, We took a walk to one of our friends in the 
country. Near his house stood, what they call, The Col- 
lege : it is a free school, designed to train up chUdren (or 
(he University, exceeding finely situated, in a quiet recess, 
surrounded by tall woods. Not fiur from it stands on the 
top of a high hill (I suppose a Roman mount) an old 
chapel, believed to be the first Christian church which was 
built in the island.* From hence we had a view of the whole 
island, the pleasantest I ever saw, as far superior to the Isle 
of Wight as tha^t is to the Isle of Man. The little hills, al- 
most covered with large trees, are inexpressibly beautiful; 
it seems they are to be equalled in the Isle of Guernsey. |n 
the evening I was obliged to preach abroad, on Now is the 
day of salvation. I think a blessing seldom fails to attend 
that subject. 

• Wednesday SS, In the evening, the room not containing 
the people, I was obliged to stand in the yard. I preached 
on Rom. iii. SS, S3, and spoke exceedingly plain. Even 
the gentry heard with deep attention. How little things 
does Grod turn to his own glory. ' Probably many of these 
flock together because I have lived so many years ! And 
perhaps even this may be the mean of their living for 
ever! 

Thursday S3, I rode to St. Mary's, five or six miles from 
St. Helier's, through shady, pleasant lanes. None at the 
house could speak English, but I had interpreters enow. 
In the evening our large room was thoroughly filled. T 
pleached on By grace ye are savedy through faith: Mr. 
Brackenbury interpreted sentence by sentence, and God 
owned his word, though delivered in so awkward a manner: 
but especially in prayer; I prayed in English, and Mr^ B. 
in French. : 

^ The houses here are exactly like those in the interior 
parts of Wales, equal to the best former's houses in Lin- 



J8$ iiEV. JOHN w£8I«et'8 jQy|iN^^,, [aito* 1787, 

colndiire. And the people in general 9x^ £ur better behaiYed 
ibaa onr country faVmers in England. 
. Friday $4:, I returned to St. Helier^g. The higli wind in 
the evening prevented my preaching abroad : however^ c^ 
more than the bouse would contain, I enforced those awful 
words, It is appointed tmte men onc^ to die. I believe ^^ 
word fell h^avy on all that heard, aud many wished to di^ 
the death of the righteouji, 

Saturday 35, Having now leisure, I fini&hed a sormoQ on 
Discerning the Signs of the Times. This mcmung I had a 
particular ccmversation, (as I bad once or twice before) witb 
Jeannie Bissou of this town, auch a young woman as I H^va 
hardly seen elsewhere. She seems to be wholly devoted to 
God, and to have constant commuuicHi with luiQ» Ske haa 
a iclear and strong understanding, and I jca^iu^t perceive tbd 
letst .tincture of enthusiasm. I am afraid she will iipt livfi 
long* I am amaeed at the grace of God whi^^b is ia-her* I 
tbinli; she is far beyond Madam Guion, in deep QommuiuQa 
with God : and I doubt whether I have found hwl^ilpw in 
England. Precious as my time is, it would have beett; worth 
my while to come to Jersey, had it been only to see this pro- 
digy of grace. 

la the evening God was with us in a very imcommoa 
manner, while I opened and enforced those comprehensive 
words. We preach Christ crucified. I know not whep we 
have had such an opportunity. It seamed as if every soul 
present would have found the salvation Of God ! 

Sunday 96, Dr. Coke preached at five and I at nine 
o'clock. Afterwards I heard the English aervice at cbuTphf 
but the congregation was nothing oearly so large as ouft lut 
five in the morning. We had a French ^sermon in our toom 
at three* Afterwards I met the society, many of whiim CMKi 
from the country, and understood no English s so Mc. Brack 
cnbttiry interpreted for me again ; afierwaf ds we both pcayed. 
Many of the people seemed gn^tly afiSscted. ^Betweea five 
and six I began preaching in the yard: but before Iliad 
finished my sermon it ppured down vfiih raia; feo I was 
obliged to conclude abrupfly. 



,> , .'< 1 :.* 



A,170. 17870 RST. JOHV WESIiEY's JOURNAL* 1S7 

Monday 27, Captain Cabot, the master of a Guernsey 
^oopy called upon us early ia the morning, and told us, 
<^ If we chose to go that vray he would set out between five 
and six." But Uie wind being quite contrary, we judged it 
best to wait a little longer. In the evening, beiug appointed 
to preach at seven, I was obliged to preach within : we 
were extremely crowded ; but the power of God was so 
manifested while I declared. We preach Jesus Christ and 
him crucifiedy that we soon finrgot the heat, and were glad 
of being detained a little longer than we intended. 

I tiiiought when I left Southampton to havC been there 
again as this day; but God's thoughts were not as my 
thoughts. Here we are shut up in Jersey, for how long we 
caaaot tell. But it is all wdl ; for thou, Lord, hast done 
it. It is mj part io improvie. Uio tUne». ^ it is not likely 
I should ever hftwe anothei: opportunity of visiting these 
islands. - 

Tuesday 88, Being still detained by cratrary winds, J 
preached at six in the evening to fk larger congregation than 
ever, in the assemblyHroouu It <;bnvaBiently contains five or 
six hundred people. Most of the gentry wef« presenty and 
I believe folt that God was there in an uncommon degree. 
Being still detained, I preached ikere again the next eyen«- 
ing to a larger congregation than ever. I now judged I had 
fially delivered my own soul ; and in the morning, the wind 
serving for Guernsey, and not for Southamptciii, I returned 
diither, not unwillingly, since it was not by my choice, but 
by the clear Provnience of Giod: for, in the afternoon, I 
ifas offered the use of ike as8emUy«*room, a spiucipus cham- 
ber in the market-place, which would eontadn, at Itast^ 
.flnioe as many as our former room. I wilUn^y a^ccepted 
Uieofier, and preached at six to such a congtegatjon as I 
had not seen here befoore. And the word seemed to sink jfaep 
into their hearts. I trust it will not return empty.. ^^"^ 

Wednesday S9, I designed to have followed the blow in 
the morning ; but I had quite lost my vcnce : however, it 
was restored in the evening, and I bdiewe all in the assem- 
bly»Too», (moie than the last eventag,) heard distkictly, 



128 hev. JOHN Wesley's journal. [sEPt^. 1787. 

Tvbile I explained and applied, / saw the dead^ small and 
greatj stand before God. In the morning, Thursday 30^ 
I took a solemn leave of the society. We set out about nine; 
and reached St. Peter's in the afternoon. Good is the will of 
the Lord. I trust he has something more for us to do here 
Mso. After preaching to a larger congregation than was 
expected, on so short a notice, on God was in Christ, re^ 
condling the world unto himself , I returned to Mont-Plaisir, 
to stay just as long as it should please God. I preached 
there in the morning, Friday 31, to a congregation serious 
as death. Afterwards I looked over Archbishop Usher's Let- 
t0rB, and wab surprised to find that great man was fiilly can* 
Vinced, 1, That the Septuagint trianslation continually addi 
to, takes from, and changes the Hebrew text at pleasure. 
S, That this could not possibly he owing to mistake, bat 
must have been done by design. 3, That the original trans- 
lation of it was lost long ago, and what has ever since gone 
tinder that name is a spurkms copy, abounding with omis- 
sions, additions, and alterations of the Hebrew text; yet not 
inch as any way destroys the foundation. 

I designed to preach abroad in the evening ; but the furious 
wind drove us into the house : however, our labour was not 
Idst; for many felt the sharpness of the two-edged sword 
while I was expounding Gal. vi. 14. 

Saturday, September!, This day twelvemonth I was de- 
tained in Holland by contrary winds. All is well, so we are 
doing and suffering the will of our Lord. In the evening", 
the storm driving us into the house again, I strongly ex- 
horted a very genteel audience, (such as 1 have rarely seen 
in England) to €tsk for the old paths j and walk therein. 

Sundays, Being still pent up by the north-east wind, 
Dr. Coke preached at six in the morning to a deeply af- 
fected congregation. I preached at eight, on Rcnn. viii.' 3S. 
At one Mr. Vivian, a local preacher, preached in French, 
the language of the island. At five, as the house would not 
Contain half: the congregation, I preached in a tolerably 
sheltered place, on iYitjoy there is in heaven over one sinner 
that repenteth; aiid both high and low seemed to hear it 



8BPT. 1787.] EST. JOHN WBSLBT's JOUK1I4L. 1S9 

gladly. I ih(^n designed to meet the society, but oould act. 
The people pressed so eagerly on every side that the house) 
was filled presently; so that I could only give a general ex* 
hortation, To walk worthy of ikeir profession. 

I was in hopes of sailing in the morning, Monday 3, but 
the storm so increased that it was judged impracticable. 
The congr^ation, however, in the evening increased every 
day ; and they appeared to be more and mofe afiected ; so 
that I believe we were not detained for nothing ; but for the 
spiritual and eternal good of many. 

Tuesday 4, The storm continued, so that we could not 
stir. I tock a walk to-day, through, what is called, the New 
Ground, where the gentry are accustome4 to walk in the 
evening: both the upper ground, which is as level as a 
bowling-green, taud the lower, which is .planted with rows 
of trees, is woaHerfuUy beautiful. In the evening I fully 
delivered my own soul by shewing what it is to build upon 
a rock. But still we could not sail, the wind being quite 
contrary as well as exceedingly high. It was. the same on 
Wednesday. In the afternoon we drank tea at a friend's 
who wa9; mentioning a captain just come from France, that 
proposed to saU in the morning for Penzance, for which tbet 
wind would* serve, though .not for Southampton. In this, we 
plainly saw the hand of God ; , so we agreed with him im« 
mediately ; and in the morning, Thursday 6, went onboard^ 
with a fair, moderate wind : but we had but just entered the 
ship when the wind died away. We cried to God for help : 
and it presently sprung up^ exactly fair, and did not cease 
till it brought us into P« nzance-bay. 

We appeared to our friends here as men risen from the 
dead. Great was their rejoicing over us ; and great was the 
power of God in the midst of the congregation, while I ex* 
plained and applied those words, Whosoever doth th^wiU 
fof Godf the same is my brothery and sister ^ and mothet» 

Saturday 8, Dr. Coke preached at six to as many as the 
preaching-house would contain. At ten I *was obliged to 
fake the field by the multitude of people that flocked to* 
gfclfaer. I found a very uncommon liberty of speech among 

VOL. VI. K 



ISO RBV. JOHK Wesley's journai.. [sept. 1787. 

them, and' cannot doubt but the work of God will floorish 
m this placb. In the evenihgr I preached at St: Ives, (but 
it being the market day, so that I coald not stand, as usual, 
in the market-place) in a Snei^ convenient field at the end dT 
the town, to a Tery numerous cbiigregationj I need scaircely 
add, and Terjr serious; for such arc all the • congr^ations 
in the couiity of CSohiwall. • • • 

Sunday 9, About nine I preached at the copper-works, 
three or four miles from St. -Ives, to a large congregation 
gathered from all parts, I. believe wUh the defhmtsiraii&n of 
the Spirit. I then met tfaef society in the preaching^honse, 
which is unlike any ^iotther bi England, both 'as to'itsf form 
and materials. It is exactly round, and composed wholly 
of brazen slags, "^htch t sitpposeHrill lagt as'lon^a^ the 
earth.' Between ^on^ and 'two I liegnn in iUie matkiet-place 
at Redruth t& the largest congregation- I^tifiYeir saw there. 
They not oiily fiOed all the ^ihdot#^''bttt sat oh the tops of 
the houses. About flv^ I begalri 4n thtl amphitheatre at 
Gwenap: I suppose if^e'llad a thousand* ihore' than ever 
wiEre there befofe-r-' but ft was' all one; my' voice was. 
streh^theni^ 'afc"6bii3iiiffly,-'.s6 that eveiy one '<56uild hear 
a^littctly. ■•■ <•=•-» ^''l-^' i ■■-:.. r. 

'Mondajr lOi'^T Ifitt a terge congr^tidh at five, and a 
Iteculidr biasing: '^'triee I went tiS^ Ukr: lif ill^s, th^ itector 
€i!p K'^iii', h^yttileftom T^uiiii abou^ for a nc*le- 
ihan*;^ andthe'mosi bieaiitifuliy siliiated of ahjf I havie seen 
iiiilhe cduiit^.' At noon t preached 'ih' the preaching^house 
at'Tf lira : it 'ivis Well filled with deeply attentive hearete; 
Thence we went on through a swittly-improvilag counti^ 
tb; ^St."Au6tlei and preached in the' iit^w house, though not 
'^Ite finished, to a crowded audlericb, who seemed all sen- 
sible^ that God was there. The old house "was well filled At 

, -^ • _ • ■ 

flvidfln the niorning, Tuesday 11: I did not design tm 
prea^ch ki Liskard, but finding a few people gathered to^ 
g^tner I gave them a short discourse, and then went on to 
Tarjk)int, wlieref several of our briethren from the'dock were 
waiting for us*' so we crossed over, without loss'bf timeyt6 
an'e^fnest, afiectionate people. The hbiise would ill c&iitafa 



sfiFT; 1787 j] . ABT« JOHir wESLer's joubnajl. 131 

the' congitgtttioii in ihe eventngy and a joyfiil meeting 

Wednesday IS; We ventoter to Mount Edgecomb, and 
nudk^d thrbugh all the improvemeiits. : The situation is fiiie 
indeed: the lofty hill^ nearly sariounded by ; the sea, and 
snflicientlyadoriiediwithtfees^ but noli crowded^ is uncom« 
monly pleasant : lidt it did not strike me like Lord Har* 
oourt^B 'seat at Nunehaiia. And are all these things to be 
burnt up ! 

At noon I preached at Plymouth 2 .tiiefhoUsQuras crowded 
enough, and a'toteihulawe-sal on-all the people:, aa likewise 
in the rrening at PIymouth^dock• There ia-an excellent 
spirit ill. this people ; and such general peace and unanimity 
as never was before. ' 

Thursday l&^Weset out early, and< din^ at Ezeten 
In the erenii^n^'had a crowded congregation that drank 
in every word. This society likewise incretises both in num* 
ber and strength. ' . . I .. i 

Fdday 14, We took the mail-coach, and in^ the afternoon 
came to Bath. Considering the uncertain notice ifhich, l^id 
been gireii^ wehad.ft larger copgr^ationtbiEin.wasegtpected: 
and mtoy fi)uiid it a bomfertable season, iMurtiaukirly those 
tbdtfwere in bMviness.; w; , . : ,/ 

Saturday iH^ With ;the assistance of two of my friends I 
ansW/eltd abundance.of letters. In the evening ^e had an 
tincolnindon iQongregalion^ on whom I strongly enforced the 
fifst principles, (which indeed n^er can be ti>o much en- 
Ibrc^) >>By grace j/e ar^ saped through faith. 

Sunday 16, 1 read prayers at ten, and preached, with a 
peculiax blessing, and administered the LordVSupper to an 
i]|iu$ual mimber of deeply serious communicants. At ha|lf 
postrtiwio ,1 began again : the chapel was more than fiUfdx 
many could not get in ; and the same was the case at|i|^.in 
tbei ei[^Qg« : > At boUUi^e^ I preached cpns^^;ably Ifpget 
tbati'l>ttsui41y*dp« .^lir^.tfie time U come ^lien(^fodwiU 
CMiteUsppwer':taJiie^t^hQre.aIso. - /-y 
: nMoaday 17^^ liCiavii^ tllR^ ^ciety in a bettfir statef than it 
litebeen lin {ot\m9fiybifiw^ 1* went to Bristp]^ . .if here my 

k 2 



iSt &BV. JOttN WB8LBT*8 JOVRKAl*. foCT. 1787. 

brother has. been for some weeks. By the way I preached 
at Winterbum, on the foundation of a new preaching-hoose. 
There was mnch rain before I hegtuny and a violent wind all 
the time I was preaching : yet, some of these, I tmst, did 
toometo the marriage. I had now two or three dajrs to 
answer my letters. Every evening our room was weU filled 
with deei^y attentive hearers. Friday 21, 1 spent the even« 
ing at the school, and was much pleased with the manage- 
ment of it. 

.Sunday 23, In the morning my brother read prajrers, and 
I preached r in the afternoon I preached in Temple church 
to 9 very large and serious congregation. My brother de« 
sired to preach in the evening : so by the mouth of two or 
three witnesses shall every word be established. 

On Monday and the following days I yndtpd the country 
societies*, and had the satisfaction to find inSt of them grow- 
ing in grace, and not decreasing in number. 

Thursday 87, About noon I preached at Castle-Cary. 
How are the times changed ! The first of our jMneachers that 
came hither the zealous mob threw into the horse«pond; 
Now high atid low earnestly listen to the word that is able 
to save their souls. In the evening I preached at Ditchet. 
Friday S8, I preached at Ditchet again, at Shept<m*MalIeC, 
and at Pensford, to such a congrc^tion as I have not seen 
there for many years, and on Saturday returned to Bristol. 
Sunday SO, I read prayers and my broths preached. I 
preached in the avenue at Kingswood about two, and at five 
near King Vsquare, probably the last time this year that I 
shall preach in the open air. 

Monday, October 1, and the three following dajrs, I 
spoke to -the society one by one, and was much refreshed, 
its the love of many was not grown c(dd, and their nunaber 
i^^i^siderably increased. 

FtidiLfiy I preached at noon in Keynsham, and the power 
of God Was present in an uncommon degree. So it was'wheo 
I met the children at Miss Bishop's,' and afterwards those 
at Mr. Simpson^s. I verily think, the spirit and behaviour 
of these two sets of cbitchw, gttuluaUy aflfeots the wholt 



OCT. 1787.] RBV. JOHN WISLET's JOURNAL. 1S| 

place, which now retains scarcely any thing of the brutality 
and savageness for which it was eminent some years ago. 
In the evening we had a watch-night at Kingswood. Th^ 
weather was exceedingly rough , yet the house was filled; 
and few went away till after the noon of night. 

Sunday 7, I preached morning and evening) and todc a 
solemn leave oftheaflSscticmate people. Monday 8, having 
taken the whole mail-coach on Saturday, I went to it on 
Monday, between three and four, and found, to my great 
surprise, it was filled with other passengers ; and the clerk 
faced me down I had takei^ the coach for Sunday : but some 
of our friends speaking strong words, they thought good to 
provide us another coach ; only it did not reach town quite 
so soon. I was,, however, ^oon enough to meet a large con* 
gregation on TjMday evening, and we praised the Lord to- 
gether.' WednSday 10, I retired and spent the rest. of ihe 
week in answering letters, and preparing matter for the 
Magazine. 

Sunday 14, I preached in West-street chapel morning 
and afternoon, And at St. Swithin's church in 4he evening. 
Mcmday 15, I began a little tour through Oxfordshire. I 
preached at Wallingford in the evening, with much enlarge- 
ment of heart. Mr. Pentycross called upon me in the 
morning, Tuesday 16. Calvinism and bitterness are fled 
away together, and we willingly gave each other the right 
hand of fdQowship. About one I preached at Oxford to a 
Tery quiet and deeply serious congregation. The house at 
Witney would nothing nearly contain the pecqpie in the 
evening : it was well filled at five on Wednesday morning* 
I dearly love this people, th^ are so simple of heart, and 
so much alive to God. After dinner we returned to Oxfoitl. 
Half am hour before the hour of pveaching a heavy raiafce* 
gan« by this means the house was filled, and not over iUed. 
I found great liberty af speech in enforcing the first and 
great commandment. And could not but hope there will be 
R great work of God here, notwithstanding all die wisdom 
pf the world. 

Thursday 18, WewentontoHighWyeond)e. Thework 



1S4 RBV. JOHN wcslbt's .^oitb vaim [oot. i 1787. 

of God is so considerably increased here^ thai/ attbough 
three galleries are added to the preaching-house^ it. woliid 
scarcely contain the people : even -at 6wt in the mornings 
Friday 19, it was thoroughly fiUed. Never before was there 
so fair a prospect uf doing good at this place. I dined in 

London, 

> 

Sunday SI, I preached in the morning at Spitalfidck 
with the usual success : iti the afternoon at the New Chapd; 
on the remarkable answer of Balaam to Balak's question, 
Micah vi. 8. How clear light had Balaam at that time! 
But he soon turned back, and hved darkness rather than 
light! 

Monday 8S, I went to Canterbury, and preached in the 
evening on the first and great commandment: inithe morn- 
ing, Tuesday S3, on the second. We -IpiMi went- (M» to 
Dover. In the evening' I stroi^ly applied the parable of 
the sower to a crowded audience* * Wi»lneiday S5, 'I spioke 
equally plain in the morning. About noon, after aft' inter- 
mission of fifteen years, I preached at Sandwich, to* more 
than the house contained, on Luke ix. 6S. God applied 
his word to many hearts, so that I have at length a hope 
for Sandwich also. In the evening I preached Hft Mai]^t^ 
The word was quick and powerful : so it was UkWise in 
the morning, Thursday S6* A good work has been wrought 
here since I was here before. Here is now^alivjdy^iovuig 
society, who adorn the doctrine ^f Grod our Saviour. 

In returning to Canterbury, I called upon Mr. Kingsfon^ 
a man of substance as well as piety. He infonned ni^ 
^^ Seven years ago I so •entirely lost the use of- my mUci 
and knees, that I could no more *stand than a new4Mfi 
child. Indeed I coukl not lie in bed withoilt a pillow laid 
between my legs, one oC them being unable to bear ifce 
weiglit of the other. I eould not move from place to place^ 
but on two crutches. All the advice I had, ptofitedc kne 
nothing. In this state I continued above siJ: yeafs. Last 
year I went on business to London, th» to BrisM wad 
Bath. At Bath I s«it for a physician ; but, before he came^ 
as I sat reading the Bible, I thought, < Asa fiouglit to the 



vov« 1787.] UBV. JOHK Wesley's jovrnau ISSr 

physicians and not to God,' but God can do more for me 
than any physicians. Soon after, I heard a noise in the 
street, and rising up, found I could stand. Being much 
surprised, I walked several times about the room; then I 
walked into the square, and afterwards, on the Bristol road^ 
and from that time I have been perfeqtly well : having as full 
a use of all my limbs as I bad seven years ago." 

We had a comfortable opportunity in the evening, and 
early in the morning. And I left Canterbury, Friday j^, 
with a strong hope, that the vfork of God will flourish here, 
as it has not done for many years. ,In the ^evening I preach- 
ed to a lovely congregation at Chatham, and on Saturday 
returned to London. 

Monday 29, I looked over all the manuscripts which I. 
had collected fQX.the Magazine, destroyed what I did not 
think worth publishing, and corrected the rest. Tuesday 30^ 
I went down to . Miss Hanrey's at Hinxworth in Hertford- 
shire: Mr. Sim^n from Cambridge met me there, who 
breathes the very spirit of Mr. Fletcher : the chapel was 
quite crowdcfd in> the evening. I preached on that inex- 
haustible text, and with much liberty of spirit, By grace 
ye are saved through faith. In the coming, Wednes-- 
day 31,. I preached on the woman of Canaan; and in the 
afternoon w^t over to Mr. Hick's at Wrestlingworth, 
through such roads as no cti^ise could pass; . so we had 
the pleasure of riding in a farmer's cart. It was such a mo- 
tion as I never felt before ; but, to make amends, the church 
was safiUed as I oeyer had seen it. And I was enaUed to 
speak with unusual plainness* Surely some received the 
truth in the love thereof! 

Thursday, November 1, I gave a fair reading to Dr. 
Gerald's Essay on Taste. I -should have wondered^.^liut 
that I had read his Plan, of Education, wherein be advises 
to read logic. :/05^;. such an advice cpuld never have been 
given but by one that knew nothing about it : indeed, he 
has hardly a clear idea of any thing. Hepce it was natural 
for him to produce this strange, perfprmance,. wherein he 
talks i^ttily, but quite wide of thcimark^ stumbling at first 



136 BKT. JOHK WB8LBT*8 JOVRHAL. f HOt. ITtfT. 

Betting onL For genius is no more inyention than it is sease 
or memory, 

Friday S, I set ont early, and, about noon, preached at 
Bamet, to a small, serious congregation. I then went on to 
London. 

Saturday S, I bad a long conrersation with Mr. CIulow, 
on that execrable act, called the Conventicle Act. After 
consulting the Act of Toleration, with that of the 14th of 
Queen Ann, we were both clearly convinced, that it was the 
safest way to license all our chapels, and all our travdiing 
preachers, not as Dissenters, but simply ^< Preachers of the 
Gospel." And that no justice or bench of justices has 
any authority to refuse licensing either the house or the 
preachers. 

Sunday 4, The congregation at the New^Chapel was far 
higer than usual. And the number of communicants was so 
great, that I was obliged to consecrate thrice. Monday 5^ 
in my way to Doriiing, I read Mr. DuflTs JSssay on Genius. 
It is beyond all comparison deeper and more judicious than 
Dr. G.'s essay on that subject. If the Dr. had seen it, 
which one can hardly doubt, it is a wonder he would pub- 
lish his essay : yet I cannot approve of his method. Why 
does he not first define his term, that we may know what he 
is talking about ? I doubt, because his own idea of it was 
not clear. For genius is not imagination any more than it 
is invention. If we, mean by it a quality of the soul, it is in 
its widest acceptation, ap extraordinary capacity, either for 
some particular art or science, or for all, for whatever may 
be undertaken. So EucUd had a genius for mathematics^ 
Tully for oratory: Aristotle and Lord Baom had an univer* 
aal genius applicable to every thing. 

The congregation was, as usual, large and serious t but 
there is no increase in the society. So that we have pro* 
fited nothing by having our service in the church hours, 
which some imagined would have done wonders. I do not 
k|iow that it has done more good any where in England : 
in Scotland 1 believe it has. 

Toes. 6y I preached^ about noon, at Miicham; we preach* 



irOV. 1787.]. BBT. JOHN WVSIiBT'lJOITRNAti.^ I9t 

ed here many years ago for some time ; but, despairiiij^ of 
doing any good, afterwards totally left the place. A year 
or two ago a spnrk fell upon it, which is now kindled tnt6 a 
flame : so that the work of God is more lirely here than in 
any society near London. I found more life than I expected 
in the evening among the poor people at Wandsworth, who 
have been long swallowed up in the cares of this world. 
But as they have a little more business so they have moie 
care for their souls, and seem determined to recover the 
ground they had lost. 

Friday 9, A friend ofiering to bear my expences I set out 
in the evening, and on Saturday 10, dined at Nottingham. 
The preaching-house, one of the most elegant in finglaod, 
was pretty well filled in the evening. 
' Sunday II , At ten, we had a lovely congregation ; and a 
very numerous one in the afternoon : but I believe the house 
would hardly contain one half of those that came to it. I 
preached a CfaaiEil^ Sermon for the Infirmary, which was 
the design of my coming. This is not a County Lifirmary, 
but is open to all England, yea to all the world. And every 
thing about it is so neat, so convenient, and so well ordered^ 
that I have seen none like it in the three kingdoms. Mon* 
day IS, in the afternoon we took coach again, and on Tues« 
day returned to London. 

Thursday 15, Even at Poplar, I found a remarkable re- 
vival of the work of God. I never saw the preaching-house 
80 filled before; and the power of the Lord seemed to rest 
on many of the hearers. 

I^nday 18, We had, as usual, ^, large congregation, and 
a comfortable opportunity at Spitalfields. Monday 19, I 
b^^n the unpleasing work of visiting the classes. I still 
continue to do this in London and Bristol, as well as in Cork 
and Dublin. With the other societies their respective as- 
sistants supply my lack of service. 

Sunday 25, I preached two Charity Sermons at West- 
street in behalf of our poor children. In which I endeavour- 
ed to warn them^ and all thai haye the care of them, against 



138 imv* JOQN w«8iiBT'i JOV&Nix. [dbo. 1787. 

that Ei^lish sin^ ungodliness, that reproach of our natioo^ 
wherein we excel all the inhabitanU of the earth. 

Thursday S9, I preached at Mr. £dward's in Lambeth. 
H&w wonderfully does God fit people for their work! Here 
Mrs. Edwards, a person of no qxtraordinary natural abili- 
ties, teadSes nearly a hundred children, and keeps them in 
as good, if not. better, order than most school mistresses in 
the kingdom I 

Friday SO, I met the committee to consider the state of 
our temporal circumstances. We are still running back* 
ward^ Some way must be found to make our income answer 
our expences. 

Saturday, December 1, I saw an uncommon instance of 
distress ; a gentlewoman who used to keep her coach, shut 
up with her four children in a dark, dirty room (her hus- 
band being imprisoned for debt) without almost any of the 
necessaries of life. No wonder if she had chosen strangling 
rather than life. * j^* 

Sunday S, I was pressed in spirit to warn our peo]^ in 
strong terms, of the Laodicean spirit which had crept in 
among them : they received the reproof: and many began 
to stir up the gift of God that is in them ; which immedi- 
ately appeared from the very great increase of the morning 
congregations. 

Tuesday 4, I retired to Rainham, to prepare another edi- 
tion of the New Testament for the press. Wednesday 5, I 
preached at Purfleet to a deeply serious congregation, many 
of whom walk in the light of God's countenance. Thurs- 
day 6, I preached to a large congregation at Rainham : I 
trust some good will be done here also. 

Friday 7, I returned to London, and again consideiedy 
what was to be doAe in. our present temper^ circumstances? 
After jnuch consultation, they advised me, 1, To appoiqt a 
few of our brethren to divide the town between them, and 
desire our brethren, that were able^ to assist in this exigence : 
S, Thaia-c^llection should be inade in aU pur pueachii^ 
houses for the same purpose. Above three hundred pounds 



Bjto. 1787.] AET^ JaHN W^LBT'i JNDU&VAIi.;^ . . 139 

vieie raised bj tbeae^ means^ TPheeeby the whole difficulty 
y/vas removed • 

Sunday 9, I went. down at half an hour past. five, Ijiit 
found no preacher in the chapel^ though we had three oc 
four in the house : $o I pneached .^myself.; 'Afterwahk en- 
quiring, why none of my family, attended the-nborniflg' 
preaching? They said it was because they sat lup too late. 
I resolved to put a stop to this : ^ and, therefore^ ordetfed^ 
that, 1, Every one under my roof should goto bed at nine: 
that, 3, Every one might attend the morning preaching: 
and so they have done ever since. * , . ' 

Monday 10, I was desired to see the celdbrated wax«work 
at the Museum in Spring-Gardens. It exhibits most of the 
crowned heads in Europe, . shews their characters in their 
countenances* .Sense and majesty appear in the King of 
Spain: dulness and sottishness in the King of France: in- 
fernri subtilty in the; late King of Prussia (as well ^ in 'the 
skeleton Voltaire : ). x^alnmess and humanity in the Eikipeior^. 
and King of Portugal: exquisite stupidity in the Prince of 
Orange : and anbazing coarseness, with every thing that ia 
^ unamiable in the Czbrina. 

In the evening I preached at Peckham to a mcxe awaken- 
ed congregation than ever I obsorved there before. ' 

Thursday 13, I preached in the evening at Mi^s Teuton's 
in Higbgate. I never saw such a congregation there before. 
Will there then be good idone here at last? Well, nothing 
is too hard for God! ■■ . > 

Sunday 16, After preaching at Spitalfields, I hastened to' 
St. John^s, Clerkbn^eU, and preached a Charity Sermon f<nr: 
the Finsbury Dispensary, as I wdnld gladly countenance 
c^ery institution of the kind*. . . i . . > 

Tuesday 18, I retired to Newington, and hid. myself :foii 
almost three' ddys; : Friday 21 ^ the ' committee jiroposed 'to 
mej' t. That famili^4>f men and^omenahonld sit together 
in both chapek: .8,: That every one who took a, pew. 
should have it4is hi»4>wn ; thus overthrowing at dne^blowy 
the discipline which I have been establishing fbr^ fifly 
years! 



MO AIT. JOHN WfiSLtT's JOVRNAU [MAEOH 178ft^ 

Saturday 22, I yielded to the importunity of a painter, 
and sat an hour and a half, in all, for my picture, I thinly 
it4k the best that ever was taken. But what is the picture 
of a man above fourscore! 

Mondav 24, We had another meeting of the committee ; 
w1k>^ aftor a calm and loving consultation, ^judged it best, 
I, That the men and women -should sit separate still ; and^ 
2y That none should claim any pew as his own, either in 
the New Chapel, or West-street. 

[N. B. A part of Mr. Wesley's Journal which should 
come in here, is lost or mislaid.] * 

February 25, 1788, I took a solemn leave of the congre* 
gation at West-street, by applying, once more, what t had 
inforced fifty years before. By grace yt are saved through 
faith. At the following meeting, the presence of God, in a 
very marvellous manner, filled the place. The next evening 
we had a very numerous congregation at the^ew Chapel, 
to which I declared the whole counsel of God. I seemed 
now to have finished my work in London. If I see it again, 
well : if not, I pray God to raise up others that will be moie 
feithfal and more successful in hiii» work! 

Thursday 28, I set out in the mail-coach, and the next 
morning came to Bath i here I found a pleasing prospect^ 
the congregations being larger than ever. The society is at 
length at unity in itself, and consequently increases both in 
grace and number. 

Saturday, March 1, (Leap-year) I considered, what dif- 
ference do 1 find by an increase of years ? I find, 1, Less 
activity : I walk slower, particularly up hill : 2, My me- 
mory is not so quick :' 3, I cannot read so wdi by 
candlelight : but, I bless God, that all my other powers oi 
body and mind remain just as they were. 

Sunday 2, 1 preached at eleven, at half an hour past two, 
and at half an* hour past five. The first congregation was 
large, and so was the second; but the third was far the 
largest, filling every comer of the house. And the pow^ 
of God seemed to increase with the number of the pet^le ; 
insomuch, that in the evening, while I was applyiagi To 



*"■ 



MARCH 1788.3 ABV* ^'OHN WESLST's JOVSW^I^ 141 

ntf to /fOf ) is Christy to dicy is gainj the glory of the Lord 
seemed to ovenhadow the congregation in an uncommoii 
manner. And I trust the imprenion then made upon f||ph 
and poor will not soon wear off. 

Monday S^ I went on to Bristol; and having two or three 
quiet days, finished my sermon upon Conscience, ^n Ti^ 
^y I g^y^ notice of my design to preach on Thursday 
eyening, upon (what is now the general topic,) SlaTery. 
In consequence of this, on Thursday, the house, from end to 
end, was filled with high and low, rich and poor. I preachr 
ed <m that ancient pnqphecy, OodshaU enlarge Japhet : ^ 
and he shall dmeU in the teats of Shem ; and Canam^ 
shall be his servant. About the middle of the discourse^ 
while there was on every side attention still as night, a 
vehement noise arose, none could tell why, and shot like 
lightning through the whole congregation : the terror and 
ccHdfusion were inexpressible : you might have imagined it 
viras a city taken by storm. The people rushed upon each 
other with the utmost violence: the benches were broken in 
pieces ; and nine4enths of the congrq^on appeared to bf^ 
struck with the same panic. In about six minutes the storm 
ceased, almost as suddenly as it rose : and all being calm, 
I went on without the least interruption. It was the strangest 
incident of the kind I ever remember ; and believe nou^ can 
account for it vrithout supposing scnne preter-datoral influ* 
ence. Satan fought, lest hb kingdom should be delivered 
up. 

We set Friday apart as a day of fasting and prayer, that 
God would ranember those poor outcasts of men, and, what 
seems impossible with men, considering the wealth and^ 
power of their oppressors, make a way for them to escape 
and break their chains in sunder. 

Friday 7, I went over to Kingswood-schodl, and found^ 
every thing th^ in excellent order. Sundag^, I preached 
at the room,: morning and aftonoon, (Mr. UoUins reading 
prayers), and aboift two at the school, though the house 
vrould very ill contain the congr^ation. 

Monday 10^ and the three following days, I visited the 



Itf Mf^B JOHN WESIfEY.'s/JOUilllA^ [lf4A6H 1788i 

dasses, iwhich conlainQd . (after nUm j added tnA many' lost 
. or removed): ; a Uftle more than nine hundred ^membtoi• I 
^glider^t with such preiKshfiB there is «4 little vncmase^ 
Bnblin has outrun Bristol, idready 3 so uriUfrAfandie^ter^ 
Sheffield, and even Birmtnghaih soon, imlessTtbiiSy'Sfir Aem- 
■cbes uj^before the Lord.. . ' iu) . vi 

;. -Wednesday 13, I preached in the evening, at t new 
place in Litfle George^reet, the poorest, part vpf t^e city. 
And great was our rejoicing in the Lord among this willing 

pteple; : . '..'I , ' •;;! . '-; J.i- i'i ..; . . , 

Saturday 15, In the 'evening, haviiig. miiOtheriltiaiey'I 
pieachcd once more in Temple churdi. {'had il^o thought 
pf iineddling with th^ oofttroVersy ,wliich\^s lately p^sti^ed 
thi$ ciiy, ti}l I read those wohk in4fae seeond.lea^oni wbibh 
threw me fiiU upon it,: Who shall be pumshedrnth ^verlast* 
ing destrucHon from the presetke of ike'Lor^^^ani frofk 
fht ghry of his 'pqmer. I thah theiight it my. dirty to 
ipeah. clearly and sth|n^y upon that head; . '.•) ;. ■*■■ 

.'a Smklay 16, I was invited tbyifthe JVlayoff,) Mr. fidg^, ta 
^eafch in: hf9 chapd, and afienWards todme.'witb him at the 
fltail8ion->liottse. Most of Uie'aldermen were af chiircb, «tnd 
linfauiltitude of high and.«k)i)vr : to«^h6m I exphuned andap- 
]^ied;4dllat>dwfiil ^assag^pfrflscriptits^, thethbttory of Dives 
andtiiaflasus*. d hn^ ; \ ^'\' rn-v.^x r^^^ \ ."■.'■•I :i'i.. j...'..^'.--'. 
'^1Mohdag^ijd^'>I,'l)egan.iny. ,noi;tbern..9dim in :a"Hifld, 
lovely liiomin^Lir' In -thi .evenii^ I preacbedi toso crowded 
an audience at Stroud as I have not seen there for some 
jndtr^;- -Tuesday 'J8, -I preached iuPaiqswIckiafi ten. Here 
Idflb/W^ wa^itedi toom fpr.the atijdionde, . andcall ; w^re latUl iw 
bq^ t V At six in the evening I : begaa Mi GJMcea^* : Here 
it seems, ithesbandaloS the' dposs (sucb)i8;tfaeiWiIl of>Godl.) 
is ceased. High and low,i rick and>f9009,.fief(^i: together, 
hnd fiteem to/dev<H%rithe.'WQrd,) Ipreache^'^n BuVdmg.upon 

^e cut. to.iXe Jte^ri^rfi^^-ll tr^ a :d9y<.^f,r(t^ .IiOid's 

Wednesday 19, Abou(^«^n:I' proaiehed^dt'Tewksbocyi 
where^ also, notwiHisstflindiilgr tbe^xbarkiot,! the |uW 1r0«> ^^^^ 



MARCH 178&.] BET. JOHN WB6Z.ET'S JOURlTAiIf 14S 

V 

filled : aqd the people were deeply attentive. The work of 
God goes on steadily here. Mote and more are continually 
convinced and converted to God. But the preaching-h«M 
is for too small, so that many who came could not get m. 
We went to Worcester in the afternoon^ where dso the 
hoiise is far too small for the congregation. Th6 Methodiits 
here have, by well doing, utterly put to silence the ignorapoe 
of foolish men; so that they^ are now abundantly more in 
danger, by honour than by dishonour.' 

Friday 21 ^ I went to Stonrport. Twenty years ago 
there was but one house here; now there are tw6 or three 
streets: and hs the trade sWiftly increases it will ph>bably 
grow into a considerable towii. A few yeais since^ Mr:- GoWell 
lai^ly contributed t6 the building of a preaching-house 
here, in which both Calvinists and Arminians might preach : 
but when it was finished, the Arminian preachers were to- 
tally excluded. Rather thkh go to law, Mr. Cow^ built 
another house, both- Larger 'ahd *moi^e' co^tenienfl. I preached 
there at noon to' alarge congregation^ but to a'' much larg» 
in the evening. * Sclveral cfei^ytnc^n were pife^^di, and wete 
as attentive- as'any of the people: ■ ProbaUy there' will be a 
deep work of Gi6d at this plaiB^; • '>!• ' ;» : : , r.; 
^ featuiday 22,' I breakfasted! at 'Mn' Listet^s^' in* Kidder^ 
minster, with a few very iserious and pious friends; ^^^In the 
evening we had" a Sunday* cdhg^r^^oii W jdirmiiighifm. 
Here there is a! glorious indrte^'bf the ^AdfG^ Tb^ 
society is rismi t6 abOve^^ght'lltaidred^ so flififtUt is at pre- 
sefiK'ihfeirior to mn^ ih EhgkAdy «kcept th^ in London 
tod th^lstbl.-' Sunday 2S,\^ wei^' greatly *«trai<bned for 
room, ' hiany being Obfigfed to gb'^^way : -'birt jbdlicve 4lH 
that could Squeeze ih found it good 'to be there: 'fot; bd^ilA 
the momivig and afternoon tbe power (^ God was present' 16 
heal : and so indeed it was on tb^' two foUd^in^ daj|rs ; "pM- 
ticularly on Tuesday evening, whilli I explai|||d, 'Seesif T%afi 
how faith wrought together With Ms W(¥m' y 'Afkit b^ 
wor^s was His faith made perfecty <' ' '• iW*J-' 

Wedne^iday 26, Iwent^on to Wedneribttry; the niother- 
Bocieiy of SJafibrdshke: bulfewt^f ^ ddClten aie left; 



144 EKV* JOHN W£8I.EY*8 JO0BNAL. [mARCH 1788. 

I think, but three out of three hundred and fifteen ; how- 
eY3er, a new generation is sprung up, though hardly equal 
iQjbe former. 

. TharsdayST, Abo^t noon I preached at Dudley, and 
With much liberty of spirit; but with far more at Wolver* 
liliDiipton in the evening, the new house being sufficient! j 
crowded/ What a den of lions was this town for many 
years! but now it seems the last will be first. Friday S8, 
we came to our dear firiends at Madeley. Mrs. Fletcher's 
health is surprisingly mended: and one might take her 
nei^ew for a^ believer of seven years standing ; he seems so 
well established in the fiiith of the gospel. The congrega- 
tion tra^surprisingly large in the evening : and great was 
iheeir solemn joy, while I applied, When Christy who is our 
iifcj shall appear y then shall t/e also appear with him in 
glory! 

Saturday 39, Having no other time, I went over to Sal<^, 
tod spent an afternoon very agreeably. The room was so 
crowded in the eveqing as I never saw it^ before; perhaps 
the. more, by reason of two poor wretches, who were exe- 
cuted in the afternoon. It was given me to speak strong 
words, such as made the stout-hearted tremble. Surely there 
is now, if there never was before, a day of visitation to this 
townalsQ* 

Sunday SO, I returned to Madeley ; but we were distressed 
by the large concourse of people. It was too cold to stand 
abroad ; and th^s church could in no wise contain the con<^ 
gregation : but we could not he]^ it : so as many as cpuld, 
got in, the rest stood without or went away. The epiafle led 
Bfte to preach on the Three that bear record in heaven^ 
which proved seasonable for Mrs. Fletcher. In the after- 
iK>on I preached on This is the record: that God hath given 
unto us eternal life; and this life is in his Son. 

Monday SL About one I preach^ at Stafford to a large 
and serious cobgregation ; and about six in the evening at 
Lane-end. Our chapel not being able to contain one-third 
of the congregation, they stood at the front of Mr. Myat*s 
houj^ where, they could all hear perfectly ; and though the 



APAth 17S8.] BEV. JOHN WBflLET^S JOVRIfAZ. liS 

wind was high, and extremely cold^ none seemed to re* 
gard it. . 

Mr. Myat was mentioning a little circumstance, which I 
think worth relating for its oddness. He had two cats with 
Jdtten at once, one of which was the mother of the other, 
and kittened three weeks before her : but she would not suf- 
fer one of her kittens to suck at all till it was almoift starved. 
The younger cat seeing this, took the kitten and suckled it 
till she kittened herself, and afterwards suckled it with her 
own kittens. Who can account for this? 

Tuesday, April 1, We went on to Burslem, where the 
work of God still prospers exceedingly. Sinners, men^ 
women, and children, are still convinced and converted to 
God every day. And there are exceedingly few that draw 
back, as they are much united in affection, and watch over 
each other in love. 

In the evening, before the time of preaching came, the 
preaching'house was more than filled: finding it could not 
contain one-half of the people, I ordered a table \o be placed 
in the yard, where they stood very patiently, though the 
wind was very high and very cold. Afterwards I spent a 
comfortable hour with the society, who compldely filled 
the house. 

Wednesday S, This morning I finished Mr. Weston's 
ingenious ^< Dissertations on the Wonders of Antiquity :'' 
particularly, the darkness at our Lord's death, and the Pool 
of Bethesda. And I quite agree with him, << That the chief 
reason why these and many other miracles were not even 
mentioned by the Heathen historians, is their utter contempt 
of the Christians, and their being so accustomed to the lying 
wonders which were so conunon in the heathen world: 
whence they naturally supposed all the Christian miracles 
to be of the same sort." 

In the evening I preached to a crowded cqi|gregation at 
Newcastle, and God was in the midst of them. Thtuiday 3, 
i crossed over to Leek, where for many years we ieemed 
to be ploughing upon the sand : but at length the fruit ap- 
pears. Their new house would very hardly loontain the con* 

VOL. VI. L 



146 KST. J,OHN V£8LXT's JOUBKAL. [APRII, 1786. 

gregation: although it blew a storm ^ so that many of the 
women could hardly bear up against the wind. In the even- 
ing I preached at Congletob. Part of the congvegeAoat Were 
the rahiiiter and the mayor, wiUi several aldermen : but they 
seemed astonished while I opened and strongly iq^^lied^ 
Thou shalt have no other gods befopls me. 

Frklay 4, We had another violent storm in goii^ to 
Macclesfield : but there all is calm : their little feuds^ ave 
removed, and the work of God steadily goes on. Snnday 6, 
the new church was half filled in the morning, but ttiorough- 
fy in the afternoon : and great was our rejoicing in the Lord, 
both then and at six in the evening. 

I took a, solemn leave of them at five in the maiming, 
Monday 7, and, with a deal of difficulty, got to New-Milk, 
the roads over the mountains being scarcely passable : but 
the earnestness of the congregation made amends for the dif- 
ficulty of the journey : they are all athirst for Grod. Wed- 
nesday 9, at noon I preached in the chapel at Bollock* 
fiwithy, one of the most famous villages in the cotihty, fbr 
all manner of wickedness : but there is a change for the 
better already, and a fair prospect of a much greater. In 
the evening as well as on the next, the house at Stockport 
was thoroughly filled with people ready prepared fbr the 
Lord, and adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour. 

Thursday 10, About noon I preached at Ashton to a 
loving and lively people, and thence went on to Oldham : 
but what could be done here? I suppose the children alone 
would have filled the preaching-house from end to endi 
We kept the door locked till a little before the apf>ointied 
time: then I went in, and, to as many as the house would 
hold, I explained the rest that remains for the people of 
God; and indeed they had ears to hear. Afterward, k»v^ 
ing one to preach again after an hour's respite, I went on 
to Manchester. ' ' 

Friday 11, The house was well filled in the evening*. I 
explained arid enforced the words of St. James, SteHthon 
not horsD faith wrought together wHh his ^works, and by 
works was faith made perfect. I did not hdar that tmj^ 



were offended, for the balk of these are ah understandiAg 
pcf^le. 

Satturday IS, I took a; vi^ of the public library^' prefer^ 
able to most in England. It is annexed to the Bltiie-doat 
School, wherein foui'score children are provided with all 
things : and all by the munificence of one man, who ex- 
pressly forbad any one to add thereto. 

Sunday IS, Mr. Simpson assisting, we dealt very well 
with a crowded congregation : I suppose we had about a 
thousand conimunicants : and surely God was among them : 
and so be was in the evening, while I applied, Thou shaU 
hwoe no other gods before me. 

Monday 14, At noon I preached at North wich to such a 
congregation as scarcely ever was seen there before; and 
bad isi good hope, that after all the storms, good will be done 
here also. In the evening I preached to the affectionate 
congregation at Chester, who want nothing but more life 
and fire. Tuesday 15, I was desired to preach upon the 
Trinity: the chapel was sufficiently crowded: and ilurdy 
God answered for himself to iall candid hearers. 

Wednesday 16, I preached about eleven at Warrington, 
(a told, uncomfortable plaice) and in the evening at Liver- 
pool. The house was extremely crowded, and I found great 
liberty of spirit ; but still more the next evening, while I 
wa^ opening and applying the parable of the sower. HoW 
much seed has been sown in this town ? And, blessckl be 
6od, all is not lost : some has brought fbtth thirty, some 
shifty, and some a hundred fold. 

Friday 18, Notice having been given at Wigan off my 
preaching a sermon for the Sunday-Schools, the peppK 
flocked from all quarters in such a maimer as never was seen 
before. I spoke with all possible plainness' on Repent jje^ 
(Hhid beliete the go$peL And it seemed to sink deep' Into the 
hearts of thi5 hearers. ^ Sttrdy the kingdom of heaven' is at 

■' Saturday 19, We W6nt oh to Bolton, where! preiched 
ib'the* Evening, in onis of the mfolst elegaht houses in the 
khgddm, aftfd f6 one df tKe liveliest cdngi^tionis : dind thig 

L 2 



148 



ncv. JOHN Wesley's joumNAL. [apkil 1788. 



I must avoWy there is not such a set of singers in any of the 
Methodist congregations in the three kingdoms : there can- 
not be, for we have nearly a hundred such trdUes, boys, 
and girts, selected out of our Sunday-Schools, and accu- 
rately taught, as are not found together in any chapd, 
cathedral, or music-room within the four seas. Besides, the 
spirit with which they all sing, and the beaijdy of many of 
them so suits the melody, that I defy any to exceed it, ex- 
cept the singing of angels in our Father's house. 

Sunday 80, At eight and at one, the house was thorough- 
ly filled : about three I met between nine hundred and a 
thousand of the children belonging to our Sunday-Schools. 
J never saw such a sight before: they were all exactly 
clean, as well as plain in their apparel : all were serious and 
well behaved. Many^ both boys and girls, had as beautiful 
faces as, I believe, England or Europe can afford. When 
they all sung together, and none of them out of tune, the 
melody was beyond that of any theatre. And what is best 
of all, many of them truly fear God, and some rejoice in 
his salvation. These are a pattern to all the town. Their 
usual diversion is, to visit the poor that are sick, (sometimes 
six or eight, or ten together) to exhort, comfort, and pray 
with them. Frequently ten or more of them get together to 
sing and pray by themselves ; sometimes thirty or forty ; 
and are so earnestly engaged, alternately singing, praying, 
and crying, that they know not how to part. You, children, 
that hear this, why should not you go and do likewise? Is 
not God here as well as at Bolton ? Let God arise, and 
maintain his own cause ! Even out of the mouths of babef 
and sucklings. 

. Monday 21, I went on through miserable roads to Black- 
burn; where, notwithstanding the continued rain, theWw 
preaching-house was thoroughly filled with serious, well be- 
haved people. Tuesday S2, through equally good roads, we 
got on to Paddiham. I preached at eleven to as quiet a 
congregation, though not so lively, as that at Bolton. From 
hence we went in the afU^oon, through still more wonder- 
ful roads to Haslenden : they were sufficiejod to lame any 



APRIL 1788.] ^ RBV. JOHN WESLBY's JOURNAL. 149 

horse^ and shake any carriage in pieces. N. B. I will 
never attempt to travel these oads again till they are effec-' 
toally mended. 

A gentleman, no way connected with us, has built us a 
neat preaching-house here, desiring only three per cent, for 
what he has laid out, (about eight hundred pounds) pro- 
vided the seats set for so much, of which there is little 
doubt. It was well filled in the evening with serious people, 
Ijring in the midst of many societies. 

Wednesday 23, We hobbled on to Bury, through roads 
equally deplorable, but we met a lively congr^ation, which 
made us forget our labour. In the evening I preached to 
another lively congregation at Rochdale. Formerly we had 
much trouble here, but it is past, and they now hold the 
unity, of the spirit, in the bond of peace. 

Thursday S4, About ten we began the service in the; 
church at Todmorden, crowded sufficiently. I found un« 
common liberty among these poor mountaineers. We had 
a pleasant road from hence to Burnley, where a multitude of 
people were waiting : but we had no house that could con* 
tain them : just then the rain ceased; so we went into the 
inn-yard which contained them well : and it was an accept- 
able season, as indeed it was both the times before when I 
preached at Bury. 

Friday 85, In the evening I preached at Colne: this is the 
fifth rainy day we have had ; however, the house was pretty 
well filled : and I strongly exhorted them that had left their 
first love. To remember from whence they had falleny to 
repent and to do their first works. 

Sunday 97, I preached at Haworth church in the morn- 
ing, crowded sufficiently, as was Bingley church in the af- 
ternoon ; but, as very many could not get in, Mr. Wrigley 
preached to them in the street, so that they did not come in 
vain. In the evening we went on to Halifax. 

Monday 28, The house in the evening was tholDughly 
filled with hearers that devoured the word. Tuesday S9, I 
-was desired to preach in the church at Sowerby, four miles 
fiom Hali&x : it stands on the brow of a high and steep 



IdO reV. JOHN Wesley's joctrnal. [mat 1788, 

mountain. Rich and poor flocked together to it, whom I 
exhorted to Acquaint themselves with GodLy and he at p^ace. 
I found much liberty of spirit among them ; and sti)l more 
atHpliikxin the evening, when it seemed, as if thenfin- 
dpws.pf heaven were opened : as also at, five in the. morn- 
ing, when I took a solemn leave, of this aff^onate people* 

Wednesday 30, About eleven the service began at CM^ey. 
After the. Curate had read prayer^ to a. l^^ge aijid serious 
congregation, I preached on It is appointed for all men 
once to die. I believe many felt as w<^ as heard the word. 
About six I preached at Hpthersfield, where our brethren 
are now all at peace and unity with each other. In the 
evening I went to our quiet and delightful retreat at Long- 
wopd-»hou^e. 

Thursday, May 1, The congregation at five was exceed- 
ing^y large, coming from many miles rpund : but that at 
ShelljT, a }o(ie place, six or seven miles from Huthersfield, 
"firh^re'l was constrained to preach in the open air at nine, 
"was. six or seven times larger: indeed, the largest 1 have 
seeni since I left Manchester ; and the power of God ^ras 
eminently present, both to wound and to hes^l. I believe the 
congregation ai, Wakefield, in the evening, was larger even 
than this : and the verdure of the tre^, the smoothness of 
the meadow, the calmness of the evening, and the stillness 
of the whole congregation, made it a delightful sight.- , 

Friday 3, I went on to Bradford. I feared the jars which 
had been here, would have lessened the congregation; but it 
was as large as ever I remember it on a week day^ and as 
deeply attentive as ever. A large number, attended again ^t 
five in the morning. In the aftqrnoon I spent some hc^rs 
with the trustees of Eccleshill-house; bi^t I migbt.as well 
have talked to sq many posts. In the evenings w^.hada 
lovely congregatioa again, to whom I. e:9:plained tt^ionner 
part of the fourteentl| of the Revelation,. These , had .ears 
to hear: and many of tl^eiji reJQipe4 with .joy^fult of 

glo^y- . ! . 

Sunday 4, It was not without e^itrcme di^u](^.that.we 
CQ^ddget into the chwrc;^; but it wa;;,wo]i(th aU Uitslabouf. 



XA7<1788n] HBV. JMtN WS8I*ST'8 JOUBNAXm 151 

I sinHigty tif^ied thote words in the epistle ibr the day^ 
Th^jend of all things trot hand; be ye therefore sober ami 
w^Ch.unio prayer 4 It seemed^ as if the whole congre^* 
tion was moved. I believe that hour will not sood 'be 

:i > tlm concourse of people at BirstaL about four was greater 
tJuiD ev^r was seen th^e before : . and the wind being yerj 
|i%b, it W£i^ feared not half of them w0uld be able to hearse 
]^t God. was better to thaox than their fears : afterwards we 
fbund:tbat all could hear distinctly; so, if they hear ine no 
isaofPy I am dear of their blood. I hare declared to them 
the whole counsel of God. 

■ 

Monday 5, About nine I preached to the foving people 
at Moreley, on 1 Pet. i. 3^ and then went fo|rwairdto Leeds^ 
where (Mr. Hey hiaying sent me word, that <^ it was not 
convenient for him to receive me,'^} Mr;- Floyd, andeverj^ 
one in his house received me with aH gladness: we had a faD 
house in the evening. I explained and applied James il. SS^, 
which: l^ppote was never more needful to be insisted upon 
tltah^tis.thisday. * /^ 

, Tuesday 6^ About dleven I accepted the MDrtitatiMof 
Mr. Steoe, a truly pious and active man; and j>rea€hed in 
hist church nfc Rsiwdon, ten mileg from Leeds, to & very 
devious cittgiegation, oti Marki 25, fiepentye^ and beUefct 
the gospel. . 

In the evening I ]^eached at Otley to a lovely congrega- 
tion^ and at five in the morning. At four in the afternoon 
I preached at Pately-bridge, and setting out at four on Fri- 
day mcNrning, reached Kendall that evening, (si:^«one 
miles,) and Whitehaven at five on Saturday the tenth. 
The congregation in the evening rejoiced much, as they 
had not seen me for four years : but scarcely any of the 
old standers are left ; two and forty years have swept Uiem 
away : let us, who are left, live to-day. Now is the day of 
salvation! 

May 11, Whitsunday, in the morning, while those words 
were aj^ied, And they were aU filled with the Holy Ghost y 
his power was eminently present in the congr^ation; but 



15S msT. JOHN Wesley's journal, [may 1788. 

much more in the evening. At noon Joseph Bradfinrd 
preached in the market-place to a nnmerons congregation. 
And I am not without hope, that poor Whitehaven will lift 
up its head agiUn. 

Monday 13, About eight I b^an preaching in the market- 
house at Cockermoi^th. I was surprised to find several of 
those that are called the best of the tottn there : and they 
were one and all serious and attentive: so we had a solemn 
parting. Hence we went on to Carlisle. I never found this 
society so well united before. The preaching-house, beg^n 
three or four years ago, is now completely finished. ItiK 
neat, lightsome, and cheerful : but it was very ill afate to' 
contain the congr^ation. Several ministers were there; 
and so was the power of God in an uncommon degree. Alt 
that were under the roof seemed to be moved more or 
less: and so they were in the morning, Tuesday 13, when 
I besought them to present themselves a Imng sacryU^ to 
Go4» ' ■' 

To-day we went on through lovely roads to Diimfries. 
Indeed all the roads are wonderfully mended sincefl last 
travelled this way. Dumfries is beautifully situated ; but, 
as to wood and water, and gently-rising hills. Sec. is, X 
think, the neatest, as well as the most civilised town, that I 
have seen in the kingdom. Robert Dall soon found me out: 
he has behaved exceedingly well, and done much good 
here: but he is a bold man. He has b^un building a 
preaching^house larger than any in Scotland, except those 
in Glasgow and Edinburgh I In the evening I preached 
abroadt'in a convenient street, on one side of the town. RkA 
and poor attended from every quarter, of whatever denomi- 
nation : and every one seemed to hear for life. Surely the 
Scots are the best hearers in Europe ! ^ 

Wednesday 14, At five I was importuned to preach in 
the preaching-house : but such a one I never saw before i 
It had no windows at all; so [that, although the sun shone 
bright, we could see nothing without candles : but I believe 
our Lord shone on many hearts, while I was applying those 
words, / pill/ . be thou ckan. J breakfasted with poor 



MAT 1788.] «BT. JI>R1? WBSLBf *S JO^^RfTAlf. 153 

Mr. Ashton, many years ago a member of our society in 
London ; bat far happier now in his little cottage than eret 
he was in his prosperity. 

» 

When I was in Scotland first, even at a nobleman's table^ 
we had only flesh meat of one kind, but no vegetables of 
any kind ; but now they are as plentiful here as in Eng* 
land. Near Dumfries there are five very large public gar- 
dens, which furnish the town with greens and fruit iol 
Sundance. 

The congregation in the evening was nearly double to that 
we had the last ; and, if it were possible, more attentive.^ 
Indeed, one or two gentlemen, so called, laughed at first, 
but they quickly disappeared^ and all were still, while I ex- 
plained. The worship of God in spirit and in truth. Two 
of the clergy followed me to my lodging, and gave me. a, 
pressing invitation to their houses : several others intended^ 
it seems, to do the same ; but, having a long journey before 
me, J left Dumfries jearUer in the morning than they ex- 
pected. We set out Thursday the 15th at four, and reached 
Glasgow, Friday 16, before noon. Much of the country^ 
as we came, is now well improvjed, and the wilderness be- 
come a firuitful field. 

Our new preaching-house will, I believe, coutaiil about 
as many as the chapel at Bath : but, O the difierenoe! It 
has the pulpit on one side, and has exactly the look of a 
Presbyterian meeting-house. It is the very sister of our 
house at Brentford : perhaps an omen of what will be when 
I am gonel I preached at seven to a tolerably large con- 
gr^ation, and to many of them at five in the morning. At 
six in the evening they were increased four-fold : but still I 
could not find the way to their hearts. 

Sun. 18, 1 preached at eleven on the paraUe of the sower; 
at half past two, on Psalm L 23: and in the evening, on 
Now abideih these three^ faithy hope^ love. I subjcnned a 
short account of Methodism; particidarly insisting on the 
following circumstances. There is no other religious soci^ 
nnder beav€3i, which requires nothing of men in-order to 



154 BBT. JOHN WESLET's JOURNAIn [m AT 1788. 

their admission into it) but a desire to save their souls; 
Look all around yoa, you cannot be admitted into the 
Church, or society of the Presbyterians, Anabaptists, 
Quakers, or any others, unless you hold the same opinions 
with ihem, and adhere to the same mode of worship. Xhe 
Methodists alone do not insist on your holding this er that 
opinioii, but they think and let think. Neither do they 
impose any particular mode of worship, but you may con- 
tinue to worship in your former manner, be it What it may. 
Now I do not know any other religious society, either 
ancient or modem, wheteiii such liberty of conscience is 
now allowed, or has been allowed since the age of the 
Apostles ! Here is our glorying. And a glorying peculiar 
to us ! What society shares it with us ? 

Monday 19, I went to Edinburgh, and preachJeStoa 
much larger congtegation than I used to see here on a wedi: 
day. I still find a fVankness and openness in the people of 
Edinburgh which I find in few other parts of the king* 
dom. I spent two dajrs wttioh^ iheta with much satisfiu^oni^ 
and I was not at all* disslppbinted in finding' no such in6fease, 
either in the congregation or the society^ as mai^ esip^cbed 
firoin their leaving the kirk. • ''^ 

Thursday 2S, The house at Dalkeith being far too' smalt, 

even at eight in theniolming, to contain 'the coi^negotion, 

I pteoched in a garden, on Seek ye the JLard zokUe he 

may be found: and, from the eager attention oi the pebple, 

I could not but hope that some of them would receird the 

troth in lore. In the evening I preached in the house at 

Dunbar, tolerably weU filled, on Job xxii* % 9» 1 believe 

with . • ■ 

.. " The spirit of convincing speech :" 

but much more, at five in the morning, Friday 83^ And 
Will Grod mianifest his power among thesa dry boniies abo? 
Immediately after preachinjg w^ set out. How is the fitce of 
this country changed in a few years! It was twimty^ years 
ago dreary enough, but is uow as a pleasant gardev : bnt 
wbat is most remarkable j is, the bridge which connects the 
tw6 momitains) The Peas, togetiier ; one of the - noUest 



MAY 1788*] ' BEY. JOHK WESLEY'S JOUENAL. 155 

works ill: Great*Britain ; unless you would except the 
bridge, at Edinburgh which lies directly across the Cow- 
gate ; so that one street ^a, thing not heard of before) runs 
under another ! « s 

About noon ^ we came to Berwick-upop-Tweed* But the 
town being all in a hurry, on occasion of the &ir, so that I 
could not conveniently preach in the market-house ; I was 
glad that Mr. Atcheson, the Presbyterian minister, offered 
me the use of his cl^apel : it was a large commodious place: 
several of his hearers attended,, to whom I spoke exceeding 
plainly in the evening, on 1 Cpr. xiii. 3 ; and in.thei morn- 
ing, on Isaiah lixi. l-r-3. ,?. 

3£^turdayS4,AbQu1i one. we. reached Alqwick^ l.was a 
little syrprised at the new,. preaching-house, (in which I 
preached: in the evening) exactly resembling the .ineeting- 
house webireatBrentford! Had they np^eyea; .fr hja4 
never seen any English house! .3ut the; scarecrow n^u^t iff^^ 
stand without remedy, .i - ... . v 

Sunday 25, This was the day; on, which all theJiojOrjurijig 
congregations in Scotland began, by comipop f^reement,^ to 
pyay in all ttlj^ir public wpi:sl)|p % ,Kj^,(j|^rge ,piid bis 
family. I preached at nine, at< two, aqd^ai; hl^lf pi|st |iv^; 
the last time on the gospel ^x ih^ d^y 0^^. U^^ory; qt I)iyei 
and Lazarus) with much QnlargiemeQt of .spijfit« ; AjBjfif 
preaching at five in themprningf .on Matt.,x^vi, iVQdtak-^ 
ing a solemn leave of the congregation,' I wentpn ti^ Mor- 
peth, but was informed the town-hall was totally engsigeds 
the lower part by a cbrnpany^ of players ; the uppe^c, by a 
dancing-master: honv^ver, the latter didfcmple th^ haying 
his right ^ sol preached to the largest congregation I ever 
saw there. And our Lordseefned to 

^ ^* Dart into all the mdting power 

Of love, and make the^ mountaiiis flow.'*' 

It was ;io4^d a wonderfi^ season, ^uch aS: we luK^/sp^n^ely 
had before since we left Bri^toL In the evtniog I pre^cb^ 
at^Newc^tle. .tp such a, congregation as. was pei^r there! b^ 
fore, unless on a Sunday : and indeed all the congregations, 



156 REV. JOHH WEtLEY'i^ SoiJ^ILttAtj. f JITNli 1788. 

morning and evening, were such as had not been before since 
the house was built. Sorely this is the accepted time for 
Newcastle: perhaps I may see it no more! 

Friday 30, I preached at North-Shields in the lowef 
house, at noon, to a very crowded congregation : and, I be- 
lieve most of them felt that God was there ; for it was a sea- 
son of great refreshment : so it was at the upper house in the 
evening. I doubt not but God will be glorified in both, pnv 
vided the people in each agree to provoke one another 
earnestly to love and to good works. 

Saturday 31, At five I preached in the lower house to a' 
numerous congregation : the greater part of whom, I believe, 
had no thought of salvation till they heard the preaching at 
this place. Were it only for the sake of these, I do not re^ 
gret any of the trouble I have had, on occasion of this build- 
ing. At tiine I preached in South-Shields to a lar^ and se- 
rious congregation, ready prepared for the gospel : in the 
evening at Sunderland, to an experienced people, many of 
whom are tooted and grounded in love. 

Sunday, June I, I willingly accepted of Mr. Hampson's 
invitation, and preached in his church morning and after- 
noon. ,1 suppose it was hardly ever so filled before : and the 
power of God was present to heal. It was doubted, whether 
aU could hear : In order to try, Joseph Bradford stood in 
the fiirthest comer: and he cbuld hear every word. I 
preached in our chapel at six : but abundance of people 
could not get in. I was sorry I did not preach abroad, while 
80 many were athirst for the word. 

Monday 2, About noon I preached at Monkwearmouth. 
I had never such a season there before. The glory of the 
Lord seemed to fill the house, and the people trembled be- 
fore him. We had such another opportunity at Sunder- 
land in the evening; surely Grod will be glorified in this 
place. 

Tuesday 3, I returned to N^castle, and preached in the 
ev^iii^ on the Rest that remaineth for the people of God, 
And a few have believed our report, and are eager to enter 
into it. ' 



JUKE 1788.] RBV. JOHN .WESL£Y> JOUBNAL. 157 

Thursday 5, Desiring to pay one more visit to the loving 
society in Weardale, I set out early, and drove through 
wonderful roads to Wolsingham, a town near the entrance 
of the vale. I could not preach abroad because of the 
storm, and the house would not nearly contain the people : 
however, as nfany crowded in as could ; the rest got near 
the door or windows, and surely the willing mind was ac« 
cepted. 

In the evening, • the wind being still very high, I was 
obliged to preach within, in Weardale also ; and it was a 
time of uncommon blessing. Friday 6, going out of my 
room I missed a step, and fell forward, so that the edge of 
one of the stairs came a quarter of ah inch above my right 
eye, exactly upon my eyelid. I put a little white paper 
upon it, which immediately stopped the bleeding, and 
preached without any inconvenience. The work of Grod has 
much increased here lately : many have been convinced ^of 
sin; many justified; some perfected in love, and many 
added to the society. 

Friday 6, We returned to Stanhope, formerly the seat of 
several great fkmilies, now an inconsiderable village. It is 
eminent for nothing in this age but a very uncommon de- 
gree of wickedness. I preached at five, in what I under- 
stood was once the market-place, to an exceedingly nume- 
rous congregation. I preached on Isaiah Iv. 6, 7, and if 
ever, with the demonsration of the Spirit. The people were 
all bowed down together, as the heart of one man. . Surely 
God will have a people in this place ! 

Saturday 7, Our brethren thought the preaching-house 
would contain the congregation at five in the morning: it 
was a large upper room: but, before I bc^gan to speak, it 
was exceedingly crowded ; and the main beam that sup- 
ported it giving way, the floor b^an to sink : some crying 
out, ^^ The room is falling:'* one man leaped out of the 
window, the rest slowly and quietly went out without the 
least hurry or conAision; so that nothing was hurt except a 
poor dog that was imder the window. I then preached in 
the open air to twice or thrice as many as the room would 



158 REV. JOHN WC8LET*8 JOURNAL. [jtTNB 17B8* 



hare contained, who were all attention ! O, how ^bite aie 
these fields to the harvest! 

.About twelve I preached to a lovely congregation at 
Bumopfields, on Rejoice in the Lordy O ye righteous. I 
have found nothing like it since I left London ; such was 

" Th' overwhelming power of grace divine! ** 

I know not that ever I felt such self-abasement before : and 
the whole ^congregation seemed almost equally moved : and 
so they were at Newcastle in the evening, while I explained, 
and strongly applied, 1 am the M'suffident God; walk he* 
fore mcy and be thou perfect! 

Sunday 8, I preached at the Ballast-Hills, about half an 
hour after eight. I think the congregation was nearly 
double to that I had here two years ago : and they were in- 
creased in earnestness as much as in number. About two I 
preached at Gateshead-fell to, I suppose, twice as many as 
were at the Ballast-Hills, on the joy that is in heaven ov^r 
one sinner that repenteth. Though the sun was very hot, 
and the wind very cold, the people regarded neither one hor 
the other. They seemed only to attend to the voice of God, 
and the breathing of his Spirit. 

- In the evening I preached near the Keelmen's Hospital, 
within sight of the place where I preached the first Sunday 
I was at Newcastle, and, I think, to the largest congrega- 
tion which I have seen at Newcastle since that time. The 
second lesson for the evening service supplied me with fl 
text, 2 Cor. vi. 1, " We then, as workers," &:c. The people 
appeared to devour the word ; and I did not spare them. 
I was then ready to say. Now I am clear fr6m the blood of 
these men. No, I dare not ! I judge not my own self! He 
that judgeth me is the Lord ! 

Monday *),' I preached at Durham about eleven, to nnyft 
than the house could contain. Even in this polite and rfc*- 
gatit city we now want a larger chapel. In the evening I 
preached hear our preaching-house to a large hitiltitud^e, I 
think as' ntwnferous as that at Gatesheaid-feR. Many of thji 
Dt/Hi&iii militia, with several of their officers, were there i 



mNE 1788.] ItBV. JOHN ¥^B»LBY*S JOVRNi^tr. 159 

and all of them seemed to receiye the word, not as the word 
of man, but as indeed the word of God. 

Tuesday 10, We went through one of the pleasahtest 
countries I ever saw, to Darlington. 

In the evening we had a lore-feast, at which several spoke 
of their experience in a plain, artless manner. And many 
were greatly comf<»rted, and stirred up more intensely to 
hunger and thirst after righteousness. 

Wednesday 11, About noon I preached at Stockton ; but 
the house would not contain the congregation ; nor indeed at 
Yarm in the evening. Here I heard what was quite new to 
me, namely, That it is now the custom in all good company 
to give obscene healths, even though cleigymen be present; 
one of whom lately refusing to drink such a health, was put 
out of the room. And one of the forwardest, in this worthy 
company, was a bishop's steward ! 

Thursday 12, Between one and two we had a larger con- 
gregation at Potto than I ever saw there before. At Hutton- 
Rudby in the evening I spoke strongly to the backsliders; 
and I think not in vain. 

At eight I preached to a lovely congregation at Stokesley 
with much liberty of spirit ; and at eleven in Gisborough, 
to one far larger and equally attentive. In the evening I 
preached at Whitby, in the new house, thoroughly ^ed 
above and below, though it contains twice as many as the 
o^d one, and although the unfinished gialleries, having, as 
yet, no fronts, were firightfiil to look upon. It is the most 
curious we have in England. You go up to it by forty 
steps, and have then before you a lofty front, I judge neaily 
fifty feet high, and fifty-four feet broad : so much gainers 
have we been by the, loss of the former house : beside, that 
it stood at one end of the town, and in the very sink of- it^ 
where people of any fashion were ashamed to be seen. '* 

Saturday 14, At five in the morning we had a large con- 
gre^^ation, but it was more than doubled in the evening : 
and at both times I could not but observe the imbdimnoii 
earnestness of the pelj^. 

Sunday 15, Th^^tioiiise war well filled at seven. For the 



160 KBT. JOHN WJB»LBY*S 40UmNAL« [JUKK 178& 

sake of the country people^ who flocked firom all sides, I 
preached again at half an hour past one, on The end of aU 
things is at hand: be ye therefore sober and watch unto 
prayer. After preaching at five, on the education of the 
children, I made a collection for Kingswood-School ; the 
rather, that I might have an opportunity of refuting that 
poor, threadbare slander, of mj ^' getting so much money." 
We concluded our service with a comfortable love-feast* 

Monday 16, From the plain people at Whitby, I went on 
to the elegant congregation at Scarborough. I was sur- 
prised at their flocking together in such numbers, many 
more than the house could contain. And I stnmgly en- 
forced. Now is the accepted time; now is the day of 
salvation. 

Tuesday 17, Desiring J. Bradford to preach at five, I 
did not preach till three. I then urged on a very genteel 
congregation. One thing is needful: and surely the power 
of the I^d was present to heal them, in a manner I have 
not often foiu^'f ftf d^^igain^jui the evening, while I enforced, 
He is able to save to the uttermost ihem that come unto 
God by him. ^ • 

Wednesday 18, 1 designed to preach in the street at Brid* 
lington, but the wind and dust would not suffer it. So, as 
many as could, pressed into the house, but nearly as many 
were constrained to go away. I preached on Rev. xx. 18, 
and I believe not in vain. 

Thursday 19, I went about forty miles out of my way 
to see my old friends at Malton, and particularly old Mr, 
Wilson, at whose house I first lodged there. Betwem eleven 
and twelve I began preaching on Jt is appointed for men 
once to die. And God applied his word, one would almost 
have thought, to every one under the roof. It was a glo- 
rious opportunity! The people were gathered from many 
miles round, and I think few repented of their labour. As 
soon as the service was over I hasted away, and reached 
Beverley (twenty-eight miles) in good time. The house 
here, though greatly enlarged, was Mil filled, with high 
and low, rich and poor. And, it being the day of the Arch- 



jtTNE 1788;] AEv; john wesi^ey's jourval* 161 

deacon's visitation, many of .the clergy i?ere therel I re^*: 
joiced in this, as it might be a mean of removing prejudice 
froih many sincere minds. 

Friday 20, Iivent on to Hall, and in -the evening ex^ 
plained and applied those remarkable ^ords of our Lord^ 
Whosoever doth the mU of God^ the same is my' broiher^ 
and sister y and mother. The new preaching-house here is 
nearly as large as the New*Chapel in London. It is well 
built, and elegantly finished ; handsome, but not gaudy. 
Saturday 31, we had a large congr^ation at five, larger 
than even that at Birmingham, which exceeded all the 
morning congregations I had then seen. 
.Sunday 2S, Mr. Clark, the vicar, inviting me to preach ^ 
in the high church, I explained (what occurred in the ser«, 
vice of the day) what it is to iHiild our house upon the 
rocky and applied it as strmigly as I could. I dined at the 
vicarage with Mr. Clark, a friendly, sensible man, and^ I 
believe, truly fearing God : and such, by the peculiar Pro* 
vidence of God, are all the three stated ministers in Hull. 
He said, he never saw the church so full before : however^ 
it was still fuller in the afternoon, when, ^t 4he d^ire ol^ "^ 
Mr. Clark, I preached on St. James's beautifii| account of 
the wisdom which is fiom above. At six in the evening]^ 
preached in our own house to as many as could get in, (biit 
abundance of people went away,) on Gal. vi. 14. 

Monday 23, About eight we reached Mr. Stillingfleet's 
atHotham, one of the pleasantest places I have seen. At 
nine he read prayers, and I preached to a large and serious 
congregation. At eleven. I preached, with much enlarge- 
ment of heart, in the new chapel at Market- Weighton ; and 
at half an hour after one, in Pocklington ; but the house 
was like an oven. Between six and seven I began at York, 
on Rom. xiii. 13. The word was as fire, and all that heard 
it seemed to feel the power thereof. 

Tuesday 24, Having no other opportunity, I, went over 
to Thirsk, and preached in the evening, on 1 Peter i. .24. 
All the congregatigjjfkere serious, but two young gentle- 
Ifomen, who laughMTOad stalked incessantly, till I turned 

VOL. VI. M 



and spoke expretsljr to tbem, Tbejr then teemed' to fae 
asfaamed. 

Wednesday S5, Believing the little lock tbeie waaAedi 
MKDinragenlent, I took Ripon in my way taYork^ and 
gare them a strong discourse on the story of Difcs and La-' 
^ ^aros. Many stvadgers seemed greatly astonisbed ; and I 
believe they will not soon forget what they heard ; Ant Gvod 
applied it to- their hearts. As he did also the parable of tiie 
sower at York, I wiH hope^ to most of the congrq^tiom 

Thursday 36, The Vicar of Selby having sent nie w>oid^ 
that I was welcbnie to preach in bis ehnrcby I wefA that 
way ; but, before I came, he had changed bis mind : ao I. 
preached in our own chapel, and not without a blessing. 
In the evening I preached ai Tborne to a larger oongr^ation 
than ever I saw in the house before. 

Friday 87, At nine I preached in the church at Swinfleei^ 
iUed from end to end. About eleven I preached at Crowle 
to a large congr^ation : and I am now in hope that there 
w3I be a good harvest here also, seeing the almost perpetoal 
jars are now at an end. Thence I came once more, (perhaps 
An* the last time) to Epworth, where, by the prudence and 
dil%ence of T. Tattershatt, the people have now forgotteli 
tiieir feuds, and are at unity with each oilier. 
^ Saturday 28, I, this day, enter on my eighty-fifth year. 
And what, cause have I to" praise God, as for a thousand 
spiritual blessings, so for bodily blessings also? How little 
have I suffered yet, by ^^ the rush of numerous years." It 
btrue, I amiiot so i^leas I was in times past: I do not 
run or walk so fast as I did. Mytsight is a little decayed. 
My left eye is grown dim, and hardly serves me to read. I 
have daily some pain in the ball of my right eye, as also in 
my right temple (occasioned by a blow receiyed some 
months since) and in my right shoulder and arm, which I 
impute partly to a sprain, and partly to the rheumatism. I 
find likewise some decay in my memory, with regard to 
names, and things lately past ; but not at all, with regard 
to what I have read or heard, twentydMNrty, or sixty years 
dgo. Neither do I find any decay uTibx ^^^^g^ smelly - 



J 9s IS 1788.} RGV. JOHN W£»li:y*s joui^nal. . 163 

ta3te, or appetite ; (though I want but a third part of the 
food I did once) nor do I feel any such thiog as weariness^ 
either in travelling or preaching. And I am not conscious of 
any decay in wriiting 3erau>ns, which I do as readily^ . and, I 
believe, as correctly as eyer. 

To what cause can I impute thi^, that I am as I am ?> 
First, doubtless, tp.the po^er of God, fitting me for the 
work to which J am called, as long a^ be pleaaes to continue 
me therein: and next, subordinately to this, to the prayers 
of his cbiklren. 

May we not impute it, as inferior means, 

I, To my copstofif exercise and change of air? ; 

9, To my never haying lost a night's sleep, sick qx well, 
at land-oj at sea, since I was born? 

S^ To my haying sleep at comm^iid, so ihat, whenever I 
feel myself almost iforn out^ J c^ tty and it comes, day or 
laight?. .: . . 

4, To my having constantly, for above sixty yeafs, risen 
^i four in the morning? 

; ^9 .To my constant preaching at five in the morning, for 
above fifty years? 

6, To my having 'bad so UtQe pain in niy li&, and so 
little sorrow, or a^dX^ous care ?: .. 

Even now, though I fijid pain daily, in, my eye or tern? - 
pie, or arm'j yet it is never violent, and sel4om lasts many 
minutes at a time. 

Whether or no^ this is sent to give me warning, that I am 
^ shortly to quit this tabernacle, I do not knqw : bu(; be it one 
way or the other, I havejaply to say 

My remnant of dajrs, . 

I spend to his praise. 
Who died the whole world to redeem : • - 

Be they many or few. 

My days are bis due, 

And they all are devoted to Him ! 

■. ' ■ • 

I prearhecl in tbftmorning on Psalm xc. 13. In the even-' 



164 REV. JOHN Wesley's jocbnal. [juLt 1789« 

ing on Acts xiii. 40, 41, and endearoured to improve the 
hours between to the btest advantage. 

Sdnday g9, At eight I preached at Misterton, as usual; 
fibout : one, to a numerous congregation at Newbey, near 
Haxey ; and about four, at my old stand in EpWorth mark- 
et-'place^ to the great congregation t here there used' to )x 
a few mockets;'biit there weref Miie now: alt appeared se« 
rioiis tis death, while i applied t&ose solemn words, When 
the breatk of man goeth forth ^ &c. We concluded with a 
love-feast, at which many declared with an excellent spirit, 
the wonderful works of Godi ^^ r , • » 

Monday 30, About eight I preached iH^&tf6tteit,'iinJfoiind 
it good* to be there. About eleven I^^fn^ek^hed at SoowSy, 
two miles from Brigg, to a very numerotm aiid iseridibcd^n* 
gr^tioii.' In the aAemoOn, goid]^ ju#t by tbat"3urj6us 
building, Mr. Pdham'^ Mautoleunfi, I alightisd, ta^&Uxk a 
view of it within and without: the like, I suppose^^» iiot 
to be fottnd in' England. It is exactly round, fifty-tWo feet 
in diameter, and will be sixty-five feet high. The lower 
jiartlJontains, t believe, nearly a hundred places for' the 
bodies of the Pelham family, (O what a cortfortto the de*^ 
parted spirits, that their carcases shall'rot tcbove ground!) 
Over this is to be a chapel;^ It i^ computed the whole 
' tidilding' will Cost sixty thousand pounds! 
•' Abotit five ive came to Grimsby, and the Vicar r^dir^g 
prayers, I preached on the Psahn for the day. He henleth 
thtm ihit are brohenin heatl, arid giveth medicine to heal 
their sickness. 1' think the church-is nearly as large &s that 
at Hull: and it lias not been so well filled in the memory of 
man before. All were- seriously attentive : many received the 
word with joy, and some^ doubtless, will bring forth fruit to 
perfection. . 

Tuesday, July 1, The Vicar again read prayers at eleven, 
and I preached on those words in the slecond Lesson, Lordy 
are there few that be saved? I spoke as plainly as possibly 
I could : but God only can speak to the heart. 

The gentleman^ at whose house I dU to lodge, coming 



^ULT 1788.J hev. john Wesley's jouiinal. 165 

frmn liowth to meet me, his headstrong horse crushed his 
leg against a gate, with such force, that both the bones 
were broken, and came through his boot. The horse stood 
by him till some countrymen came, put him into a cart^ and 
brought him home. It is doubtful whether he will recover ; 
but death is no terror to him. 

I preached in Lowth at six in the preaching-house; but 
perhaps I had better have been in the market-place : at five 
in the morning^the room was filled ; and I spoke, as doubt* 
ing whether I should see them any more. At eleven I 
preached at that lovely spot, Langham-Row : although Mr. 
Robinson has made the chapel twice as Ifirge as it was, yet 
it would hardly contain the congregation : and mpst.of these 
are in earnest to save their souls ; as well as himself and his 
iwife, and his sixteen children. 

Thursday 3, I was going to preach at Tuxford, near the 
end of the town ; but the gentry sent and desired me to 
preach in the market-place, which I accordingly did, to a 
large and attentive congregation, on It i$ appointed unto 
men once to die. 

Thence we went to Raithby, an earthly paradise! How 
gladly would I rest here a few days; but it is not my place: 
I am to be a wanderer upon earth : only let me find rest ia. 
a belter world. At six I preached in the church to such a^ 
congregation as I never saw here, before : but I do not 
wonder if all the country should flock in hither to a palace 
in the midst of a paradise. 

Friday 4, I set out early from Raithby, and at eight 
preached in Horncastle. My design was to have preached 
seriously, for which purpose 1 chose that text, The harvest 
is endedj the summer is pasty and iDc are not saved: but I 
was turned, I knew not how, quite the other way, and could 
preach scarcely any thing but consolation. I believe this 
was the very thing which the people waited, although I 
knew it not. 

We reached Lii^oln about twelve. A very numerous 
congregation, of rii^ and poor, were qiiipkly assembled. I 
preached below the hill in Mrs. Fishefs yard, alarge^and 



166 BfiV. 40U1I WCSLEY*8 JOURNAL. [jCLT 1788r« 

€6minbdioiEid place. From the qaietness of the people, one 
might have imagined that we were in London or Bristol. 
Indeed the dread of the Lord was on everj side, and sarely 
bis power was present to heal. 

^ In the evening I preached in our new house it Gainsbo*- 
rough, which was crowded sufficvsntly. I spoke strong 
^ords on Now is the accepted time^ which seemed to sink 
deep into the hearts of the hearers. Saturday 5, in the 
evening I preached at Ouston, to such a -congr^ation both 
for number and i^ericniddess, as I hardlj ever saw there before. 
Afterwards I took a view of what was lately the ^ory of the 
tot^n, the great man^n-house, built by the late Mr. Pindar's 
father, when I was a little child : his grandson has left it 
des^ktle and without inhabitanti has taken away aU the pic^ 
(ures and furniture, blocked up the windows, and cut down 
the ifie rows of trees, which formed the i^vtenue ! 
" So fleets the comedy of life away^" 
- Sunday 6, At eight we hid such another congregajdon as 
Ihat in the evening ; to which I expounded that comfortable 
scripture, the former part of the fourteenth of the Revda** 
Hon. t came to Epworth before the church service began, 
tod Mtis glad to observe the seriousness with which Mr. Gib* 
jJbon read prayers, and preached a plain, useful sermon ; but 
Vas sorry to see scarcely twenty communicants, half of 
tvhom came on my account. I was informed likewise that 
scarcely fifty pe^sojis used to attend the Sunday service. 
What can be done to remedy this sore evil ? 

I faitt itbuld prevent the mfembers here from leaying the 
church V but 1 cannot do it/ As Mr. G. is not a pk>us man^ 
but rather an enemy to piety, who frequently preaches 
against the truth, and those that hold and love it, I cannot 
Svith atl tny influence persuade them either to hear him, or 
to attend the sacrament administered by him. If I cannot 
fcrfti^ this point even while I live, who then can do it when 
I die ? And the case of Epworth is the cfise of every church 
where the miTVister neither loves nor preaches the go^l. 
The Metliddists will not attend his Jbinistraitions. What 
iHfenis^ibedbne? • ' 



tOVt i79B.J KEV^ JOHN WESIiCT's JOVAIf ai^7 i6T 

• At four I preacbed in the market-place on Rom. vi. SS^ 

and vehetnentlj exhorted ibe^ listening multitude to choose 

the better part. Monday 7, having taken leav« erf this aP» 
-fectitMiate peo{>le, probably for the last time, I \f ent ov^ to 

f inningly , and preached at devoi ^n that verse in the second 
lesson, Luke xix. 42. After dinner we wflAked over Mr^ 
H.'s domain, the like to which I never saw in so small a 
compass. It contains a rabbit warren, deer, swans^ pbea«- 
«ants in abundance, beskles a fish-pond and an elegant gar- 
den. Variety, indeed ! ' But is there not danger that such a 
multitude of things should divert the miiid irom the one 
thing needful ? 

In the evening I preached at Doncaster. I never before 
saw this house so filled, much less crowded : and it was, in 
a manner I never knew before, filled with the presence of 
.God, while I earnestly enforced that advice. Acquaint now 
thyself wUb him^ and be at peace. One fruit of this was^ 
.that the congregation at five in the morning was larger tbali 
it ever was before in the evening. And God made bare his 
arm, and uttered his voice, yea, and that a mighty voice* 
Surely those who now heard will be without excuse, if jthey 
4X0 not know the day of their visitation ! 

We were much distressed atRotherham for want of ioon% 
the rain driving us into the house. However, we stowed^ 
it as many as we possibly could ; and God boTe witness' iB 
his word. Wednesday 9, after dining with that lovely old 
man, Mr. Sparrow, I went on to Sheffield. The house was 
much crowded, though one of the largest in England ; but 
all could hear distinctly. In the morning, Thursday 10, at 
five we had an evenir^ congregation, and the people seemed 
to devour the word. Here and at Hull are the two laigest 
morning congregations which I have seen in the kingdom. 

Friday 11, We set out early for Derby. About nine^i 
within about a mile of the^ Peacock, suddenly the axletree of 
my chaise snapt asunder, and the carriage overturned. The 
Iiorses stood still till Jenny Smith and I crept oat at the 
/ore windows. The broken, glass cut one of my gloves a 
Jittle, but did us no other damage.^ I soon procured another 



168 BBV. JOHN Wesley's jouanal; Tjult 176S. 

chaise, and went on to Derby, where I preached in the even* 
iog ; and at five in the morning on Saturday the 12th, and 
then went on io Nottingham. 

Sunday 13, 1 biegan the service at ten : but knew not how 
I should get to the end, being almost exhausted when I had 
finished my sermon. But Mr. Dodwell came, who, though 
Tery weak throngh the ague, assisted me in administering 
, the Lord*8-supper to a very large number of communicants. 
After preaching in the evening, I made a collection for 
Kingswood School. To-day I had just as much woAl as I 
could do. Monday 14, the mail coach being full, I crossed 
over to Newark, and had the satisfaction of seeing in the 
evening, not only a numerous, but likewise a serious and 
deeply attentive congregation. 

Wednesday 16, We reached London. I consulted with 
a few friends concerning the state of things, which was bet- 
ter than I expected. The society is increased, and the ordi- 
nary hearers in all parts of the town not diminished. Mean- 
. time there is reason to hope the work of God goes on, though 
by slow degrees. On the following days I looked over my 
books and papers and set them in order as far as I could. 
Saturday 19, 1 spent an hour in Chesterfield-street, with my 
widowed sister and her children: they all seemed inclined. 
||kmake the right use of the late providential dispensation. 

Sunday 20, Both in the morning and evening I preached 
at the New-Chapel, crowded sufficiently, on Heb.^ v. 12, 
Ye have need that a man should teach you again, which be 
the first principles of the oracles of God. Monday 21, I 
Ktired to Highbury-Place, and spent the residue of the week 
in answering letters, revising papers, and preparing for the 
Conference. 

. Sunday 27, In the morning I preached at West-street, 
and in the afternoon in Bethnal-Green church, on (part of 
the gospel for the day) our Lord's lamentation over Jerusa- 
lem. I believe the word did not fall to the ground.' I 
preached at the New-Chapel every evening during the Con- 
ference, which continued nine days, beginning on Tuesday, 
July 29, and ending on Wednesday, August 6. And we 



A06; 17^.] a£v. John iteslet's jovrmtal. 169 ' 

/oand the time little enough, being obliged to pass over 
many things very briefly, ivhich deserved a fuller consi- 
deration, 

Sunday S, I preached at the New-Chapel, so filled as it 
scarcely ever was before, both morning and evening. Mon- 
day 4, at five we had a good evening congregation : and I 
believe many felt the power of the word, or rather, of God 
speaking therein. 

One of the most important points considered at this con- 
ference was, that of leaving the church. The sum of a loi^ 
conversation was, that in a course of fifty years, we had 
neither prenieditately nor willingly varied from it in one arti« 
cle, either of doctrine or discipline : S, That we were not 
yet conscious of varying from it, in any point of doctrine : 
3, That we have in a course of years, out of necessity, 
not choice, slowly and warily varied in some points of dis- 
cipline, by preaching in the fields, by extemporary prayer^ 
hy employing lay preachers, by forming and regulating so- 
cieties, and by holding yearly Conferences : but we did none 
of these things till we were covinced we could no longer 
omit them but at the peril of our souls. 

Wednesday 6, Our Conference ended ttiit began, in great 
peace. We kept this day as a fast, meenpg at five, nine, 
and one, for prayer, and concluding 4he day with a sol^mi ^ 
watch-night. 

The three following days I retired, revised my papers, 
and finished all the work I had to do in London. Sun- 
day 10,' I was engaged in a very unpleasing work, the dis- 
charge of an old servant : she had been my house-keeper at 
West-street for many yejtrs, and was one of the best house- 
keepers I had had there : but her husband was so notorious 
a drunkard, that I could not keep them in the house any 
longer. She received her dismission in an excellent spirit, 
praying God to bless us all. 

I preached in the morning at West-street to a large con- 
gregation, but to a far larger at the New-Chapel iii ihe even- 
ing. It seems the people in general do not expect that I 
shall remain among them a great white after my brother, 



170 ^tLBY, jmiK>£SLEY*S f I^VRVAfi. J^ktJCi 1788. 



/and tiiattberelbve fliey^areAviDing to bear while they 
^n the evening we set tmt in die mail coach, and eariy in the 
morning got to Portsmouth. 

They have lately built a neat pneacfaing-house in the town, 
-somethii^ larger than that at Deptfiani. It is well situated 
near the midst of the town, and has three wdl«coiistructed 
.galleries. I preached at noon to a large and well-behared 
audience, and to a much larger in the evening. I believe 
*tlie word took place in many souk : aU went away still as 
inght« 

Tuesday 12, Joseph Bradford preached at five in ih^ 
4nonitng. I preached i« the new house about six ia th« 
evening, and guarded them against that deadly Antinomian- 
ism which has so often choaked the good seed here. In the 
corning I |>reached at our house on the Common : after*- 
•wards, meeting the society^ I took a solemn leave of themi 
which I hope they will remember if they see me no more. 

Wednesday IS, We crossed over to Sarum, where I 
rpreached in the evening with much enlargement of heart* 
Thursday 14, setiiiig out about three, we came to Gloaces* 
ter early in the afteroooD. I spoke very plainly, both in the 
Jevening and the'Mniing. Friday 15, we went on to Ifon- 
^oilth : but IVtr, ^ ■ has done with us, so I lodged with 
^ any old friend Mr. Johnson: and instead of that lovely 
young woman, S — B — , who is removed to Cowbridge, met 
,wiUi her yoUnger sister, who more than supplies her place : 
-she is a jew^l indeed, full of faith and love, and zealous of 
<good works. 

I preached both in the evening and the next morning with 

-the demonstration of the Spirit : and all the congregation, 

itich and poor, appeared to be sensible of it. Sa^tnrday 16, 

we had an easy journey to Brecon, where I preached in the 

evening. Sunday 17, 1 preached in the room at eight, on 

the fruit of the Spirit. In the evening I preached in the 

spacious town^hall, so filled as it had never been before. I 

4hink there is a little company here that are truly alive to 

>God. Monday 18, 1 went on to Caermarthea, and preached 

^at six on 2 Cor. v. 19 : and aj^ain ajt five in the mornings 



jCtr^i 1788. J RBY. JOHN I^ESLlT'i JeVENAL*: 171 

Taesday 19, when the nxmi w&s w^ll filed. A sennuit of 
Mr. Bowen's came carlj in the morning to shew us the way 
to Llyngwair ; and it Tvas well he did : for. I do not know 
that we could otherwise have found dar way thither. We 
met (as I expected) a hearty welcome. At five I preached 
in Newport church, to a large congregation, and with a 
greater prospect of doing good than 1 ever had before. We 
passed an agreeable evening at Llyngwair. Wednesday SO^ 
I went on to Tiacoon, one of the most yenerable aeata ia 
•6reat«Britain. The good old house is buried in woods and 
mountains, having no resemblance to any place I have seen* 
it is just suited to the good old admiral, with his four 
inaiden sisters, the youngest of whom I suppose has lived 
more than seventy years. I preached at twelve, Md in tlie 
afternoon went on to Haverford-west. l^he room was filled 
Sufficiently, and I could not but believe Gad will buiid up 
the waste places. 

Thursday SI, The room was well filled at five. Finding 
there had been no discipline here for some time, I determin** 
ed to begin at the fiiundation, and settle every thing.: so I 
first visited and regulated the classe^ tfaeii restored tlie 
bands, which had been totally neglectflB and then gave di^ 
rections for meeting the leaders both c?^ bands and ctassQi; 
After preaching in the evening, I met the society, and g&vfc 
them a warm exhortation, to set out anew : I trust they will, 
and all the present preachers, I am persuaded, will neglect 
nothing. 

Friday S2, 1 went to Pembroke. Here likewise, not opt^ 
thing, but every thing had been neglected I No steward% 
no bands, 4ialf 'of the preaching places dropped : all the 
people cold, heartless,: dead !. I spoke earnestly iathe even- 
ing, and j th6 .wk>rc| was, as fire: surely aorae fruit will 
follow! : ;: •. i ' 

Sunday Si^iWtlM^fi l^v«ly <;ongregution at SU Darner^, 
and a remsivkabte^ blessiin^b little afternoon I retuirned to 
Haverford-west, and preached iu a, large open space near the 
great church, to Slioh a congfe'e^iiok) as I have not see/i in 
. W^Ics.for u\wyjymt^ til explained and applied tbe pwf 



179 AST* JOitir weslet's journal, [sept* 1788* 

ble of the sower, and God clothed his word with power. I 
know not whether I hare had such an opportunity befiire 
since I left London. 

Monday S5, I spent another night at Caermarthen yery 
agreeaMy. Tuesday 26, I preached at Kidwelly at nine ; 
between twelve and one at Llanelly, (to all the gentry in the 
town !) and in the evening to a multitude of people at Swan* 
sea. Wednesday 27, far more than the room would con* 
tain attended at five in the morning. About eight I preach- 
led in our new preaching-house at Neath ; and in the after- 
noon reached Fontegary, and found Mrs. Jones, with seve^ 
ral of her children about her, on the margin of the grave ; 
^from out with that dreadful disease, a cancer: she uttered 
no complaint, but was all patience and resignation, shewing 
the dignity of a Christian, in weakness, in pain, and death. 
J preached on // is appointed unto men once to die! and I 
believe all present felt the awful truth. 

I had intended to go on to Cowbridge the next day, but 
being much importuned to give one day more to a dying 
friend, I yielded, and desired another preacher to go and 
supply ray place. In the evening I preached on Psalm 
•cxliy. 3, 4. Th^j^ne before us greatly confirmed the 
word. Friday 29, that they might not be offended, I went 
to Cowbridge. In half an hour's notice, we had a large 
congregation in the town-hall, to whom I shewed the nature 
and pleasantness of religion, from Proverbs iii. 17. I re- 
turned to Fontegary, took my last leave of the dying saint, 
^«nd then went on to Cardiff. In the evening I preached 
4^probably for the last time) to a very genteel congregation at 
tbe town-hall. Saturday 90^ I returned to Bristol* 

•Sunday Si, Mr. Collins ^aiiie very opportunely to assist 
me at the morning service, otherwise I should have been 
distressed ; for such a number of communicants I never saw 
here before. I would ftiin have preaclwd ebroad ; bnt the 
ground was too wet : so I preached within, on Ye cannot 
serve God and 3£ammon. 

Wednesday, September 3, I made a littlb beginning of 
my broUiet^s life. Pa:baps I may not live to finish it. Then 



fE^t. 1788.] HfiV. JOHN WlSi8iEY*8 JO0RNAtI« 173 

let it fall into some better hands ! Thursday 4, I ' had the 
satisfaction of spending an hour with that excellent woman^ 

Lady y not quite so honourable, but fully as much de« 

voted to God, and as useful, as Lady Betty Hastings ! 
What is too hard for God ? We see, Wen this is possible 
with God, to raise a lady and a saint in one person ! 

Friday 5, We had a solemn Mratch-night at Kingswood. 
The school is now in just such a state as I wish. Mr.' 
M^Greary has three pious and able assistants, out of those 
that were brought up in it r and I doubt not it will supply 
a sufficiency of masters for the time to come. - 

Saturday 6, I walked over to Mr. Henderson's at Han- 
ham, and thence to Bristol : tnit nay friends more kind than 
wise, would not suffer it. It seemed so sad a thing, to walk- 
five or six miles ! I am ashamed that a Methodist preacher, 
in tolerable healthy should make any difficulty of this. 

Sunday 7, Having none to assist me, I found it hard work 
to read prayers, preach, and administer the sacrament to 
such a number of people. The moment 1 had done 1 hast- 
ened to Kingswood, having but just time to take a little 
dinner before I began preaching to a large cbngregaticm be- 
fore the preaching-house. Returning fil^iiitol, 1 preached 
at five in Carolina-court, to an imnien^MRttiber of people, 
bn Rom. viii. 33, 54. 

Tuesday 9, I saw the large church at Midsummer-Nor- 
ton, thoroughly filled with serious hearers. The room at 
Shepton-Maliet, though greatly enlarged, could, in no wise, 
contain the congregation. At five in the morning, Wednes- 
day 10, it was thoroughly filled : in the evening 1 preached 
at Coleford. Thursday 11, we had a lovely congregation at 
Prome, both in the evening and at five in the morning. At 
length this wilderness too, as it has long appeared to be, 
begins to blossom and bud as the rose. 

About two o'clock, Friday 12, 1 preached ii! the preach- 
ing-house yard at Trowbridge, where, notwithstanding the 
harvest, we had an unusually large dongregatiorf, who list- 
ened with deep attention*: in the eviening at Bradford to as 
many as the house would contain : but I did not find good 



in mEV. JOHN WE8I«BY^8 JOUEKAL^ [SBPT. 1783*. 

Mis. BaUatrd there : after long stmgfUng with a deep ner-* 
Yous disorder^ which, for a time, depressed the mind as well 
as the bod J, the cloud removed ; her load fell off, and her 
spirit joyfully returned to God,< 

Satiaday IS, J, Sfffnd the soctcly at Bath in a more flou« 
rishing state than it had been for many years. And the con-^ 
gregation in the evening was unusually large, and, as usual, 
seriously attentive. 

Sunday 14, We had twice as many communicants as I 
ever remember here. Just before service Mr. Shepherd 
came, and offered me his service. It could n<^ have been 
more seasonable. I had much liberty of spirit the first time 
I preached to-day : but greater at half an hour past two, 
^d the greatest of all in the evening, when I Tehemently 
enforced those awful woards, IVhy will ye die^ yt home of 
Israel? 

Moaday 15, I returned to Bristol ; . and on the four fol- 
lowing days was sufficiently employed in meeting the classes^ 
Ateadi end of the town, the society increases greatly: it 
does not decrease in any part : glory be to God ! 

Friday 19, Being pressed to preach to the poor people in 
GoorgeHstneet, ah^^owing the house would not contain 
half the congsfigVHd in the evening, I began at five, by 
which means we had room for all that could attend at sq 
early an hour. O what an advantage have the poor over the 
rich i These are not wise in their own eyes, but all receive 
with meekness the ingrafted word, which is able to save 
their souls. 

Saturday 20, I met the trustees for the new room, who 
were all willing to add a codicil to the deed of trust, in or- 
der to ascertain to the Conference (after me) the sole righf 
of appointing the preachers in it. 

Sunday 81, I preached morning and afternoon at the 
room; and at three in Temple church, so filled as I never 
saw it before. In the evening I spent an hour in fixing the 
places of the several classes at the society ; a thing neces- 
sary to be done, although it is certain some will be not a 
Uule displeased. 



m 



€^0t. 178&J RET. JOH» W^8LE¥'& JiOUAN^Ii* • }75 

' Tueidaj 23, Aa end wai put to tbe loag contest between 
Dr. Coke and Mr. Ourbin, by the doeMifs adtnowledging,, 
^^ That the words fae had wiittea were too keen^ aid that 
lie was sorry he bad given BCr. I>. so mitcb uoeaaiQQBs.'' 

Wednesday S4, I took a walk in lilM^iGoldDey V gairdea 
at CliftoQ : nothing can be BMie pleasanlT But what is most 
remarkable is, the long terriMse walk, commanding a mest 
beautiful prospect ; and the grotto, the largest and most 
beautiful in its kind that I ever saw. It is admirably well 
laid out, and decorated with a surpijsing variety of shells 
and glittering fossils: ^' The procuring, and placing of 
which/' we are informed, ^ took the late Mr. Goldaey 
above twenty years !" And he has left it all ! 

Ffiday 26, We had a fast-day^ which was concluded 
with a solenm watch-night. Al the close of this we sung^ 

" Ye virgin souls, arise," 

accompanied by ilie GloUGestershire band of music. Such 
a concert was never beard in that house before^ and perhaps^ 
never will be again. . ' 

Saturday 27, Two or threes friends took me to Blaise* 
easde, about five miles from Bristol. jfetj^F^^ a persoi^ of 
exquisite taste^ built it some years ago,- flPlbe tpp of a hitt^ 
which commands such a prospect all four ways, as nothing 
in England excels. Thence we went to Lord CUfibrd's scat 
at KingVWcston. His house, one of the most beautiful I 
ever saw, stands on a little eminence in his park^ {^d fronts 
all four ways. The prospect is Bne every way, commanding 
both the land and the water. And the rooms are very clo- 
gantly furnished, particularly with excellent piclnres. And 
must the owner leave all these beautiful things? Will death 
have no more respect for a lord than for a beggar ? 

Sunday 28, 1 set out in the mail coach for London. Tues- 
day 30, having for the present settled my business at T^n* 
don, in the evening I took coach for Lynn, and came thither 
about noon on Wednesday, October 1 . I spent all the time 
with much satisfaction^ as I never found them so much alive 
before. ^ 






m 



176 REV. JOHtr we8L£yV JOURNAL, [oct. I78S.' 

On Friday 3, I set out for Norwich , in the coach odij 

called The Expedftion. Going through Deerham aboik 

noon,' I was desired to preach, which I willingly did, on 

Isaiah stxxyii. 8: anddn the evening to a huge congr^ft*i 

. tion at Norwich oittbe parabteof the sower. 

Sunday 5, Was a corofortaDle day, especially at seven in. 
the morning, when I administered the Lord's-Supper; and 
at two in the afternoon and six in the evening, when I 
preached to very serious congregations. Monday 6, I 
preached at Loddon, North-Cove, and Lowestofie. When 
I came into the town, it blew a storm ; and many cried oi^t, 
^< So it always does when h^ comes :*' but it fell as sudden- 
ly as it rose ; for God heard prayer. 

Wednesday 8, I preached at Caster about noon, and at 
^w Yarmouth in the evening* Thursday 9, I returned to Nor- 
wich ; and after preaching in the afternoon, took coach for 
London. 

Friday 10, I appointed a committee for auditing my ac-- 
counts, and superintending the business of the book-room: 
which I doubt not will be managed in a very diflSsrent man* 
ner from what it has been hitherto; 

Sunday 13,- IJLNreached in the morning at the New 
Chapel ; in the memoon at West-street Monday 13, I 
went to Wallingford, and pteachcd to a serious, and it 
seemed, much affected audience. Tuesday 14, I preached 
at Witney, which I generally find a very comfortable 
place. I think much of the impression which was made 
on the people here,, at the time of the great storm, remains 
still. 

Wednesday 15, I preached at Oxford, on Gen. i. 87; 
We wanted only a larger room : many young gentlemen 
were there, and behaved well : I hope some of them did 
not come in vain. Thursday 16, we went on to High Wy- 
combe. Mr. Murlin's settling here has been of great use.' 
Here is now a steady and understanding people; to whom 
I preached as usual, evening and morning, with a good 
deal of satisfaction. Friday 17, we returned to London. 

Sunday 19, We had, as usual, a comfortable time at 



^# 



NOV. 1788.] AEV. JOHN WBSLEY's JOURNAL* 177 

Spitalfields. Monday SO, I set out for^ortharoptonshire. 
In the evening I preached to the lovelj congregation at 
Whittlebury, standing fast in the liberty wherewith Christ 
has made (hem free. Wednesday ^j I made one more trial 
of poor Towcester; if happily ^od miglil%et breathe on the 
dry bones, by opening and strongly applying these words, 
I will heal thj/ backsliding ; I will love thee' freely : in the 
evening, and on. Thursday morning I preached at Nor-> 
thampton in the new Presbyterian meeting-house, a large 
and elegant building, I think, not without effect, and then 
returned to London. 

Tuesday 28, I took the stage coach for Rye, which pro- 
mised to be there by six in the evening : but the coachman 
lingered so, that, in the afternoon, I found they did not' 
intend io be there till near eight : so at Hawkhurst I took a V 
post-chaise, -which, with much ado, reached it soon afters 
six. Being informed the service was b^un, I did not stay 
to eat or drink, but went directly to the preaching-house, 
which was sufficiently crowded, and as soon as I could get 
through the people, I began with solemn prayer, and then* 
explained and applied that glorious truth, God wets in Christ 
reconciling the world unto himself. We h$A another hap« 
py opportunity at five in the morning. Kiibwing now there 
was no depending on the coach, I took a chaise, and by that 
mean came early to Sevenoaks, where, in the evening, I 
found uncommon liberty of spirit, in exhorting the audience 
to worship.God in spirit and in truth. 

Saturday, November 1, All saint's day, I preached at 
Snowsfields on Rev. xiv. 1 , a comfortable subject, and I al- 
ways find this a comfortable day. Monday 3, 1 began visit- 
ing the classes, a work which usually takes up about a fort- 
night. Sunday 9, 1 preached at West-street, and found un- 
common liberty in enforcing (hat caution. Quench not the 
Spirit. On Wednesday 12, and the following days, I visit- 
ed the country societies : some of which, that of Mitcjiam 
in particular, is swiftly increasing in the grace of God. 

Monday 17, I set out for Hertfordshire. In the evening' 
I preached at. Hinxworth to a deeply jserious congr^ation : 

VOL. VI. N 



n 



178 UEV. JOHN WESLEY'S JOUUVKV. [iior» 178S. 

ihe next eveningly (he church at Wrestluigworth^ to the 
largest congregation I have seen th^e these twenty years. 
Wednesday 19, I crossed over to Bedford, bat where to 
lodge i did not know : but one lixet me in the street, and 
said Mr. - — desirdll would |p> straight to his house : I did 
so, and found royself in a palace, the best house by far ia 
the town, where I was entertained not only with the utmost 
courtesy, but, I believe, with sincere affection. Oar room 
was much crowded in the evening, and pretty wdl filled in 
the rooming : and as all disputes are at an end^ there is 
great reason to hope that the work of God will increase 
here also. 

Thursday 20, We had a lovely congregation at St. Neots, 
ifho seemed ripe for the promises : so I preached on our 
jjl Lord's words to the leper, / miU: be thou clean! Fri- 
day SI, about noon, I preached axHiintingdon : and in the 
evening at Godmanchester : still it is the day of small things 
here ; but a few lire ^^ fighting the good fight of faidi." 

Monday S4, I went to Canterbury. As aU the preadien 
are in earnest, Grod has blessed them through the whole cir- 
cuit. This evening we had a large and deeply serious con^ 
giegation, and qoC a few of them in the morning. Tues- 
day 25f though it blew a storm, and was piercingly cold, we 
were sufficiently crowded at Dover, where the work of God 
is very lively^ and continually increasing. Wednesday 86, 
our room at Sandwich being small, both the dissenting mi- 
« nisters sent to ofier me the use of their chapels ; I willingly 
accepted one of them, which was far larger than ours, and 
very commodious. I believe God spoke to many hearts. 
In the evening we had another storm, with much snow and 
sleet : however, our house at Margate was well filled : and 
I was much comforted by the earnestness of the congre* 
gation. 

Friday S8, A little preaching-house being just built at 
St. Peter^s (two miles from Margate) notice had been given, 
without my knowledge, of my preaching there in the morn- 
ing: it was utterly inconvenient on many accounts: the 
wind was piercingly cold, and the ground coyered with 



# 



nKo. 1788.] JiEV. johk wesley's journal. 179* 

snow^ However, I would not disappoint the congregation : 
so I preached at nine, and hastened to Canterbury, where 
the house was, as usual, well filled : and God gave us his 
blessing. 

Tuesday, December 9, 1 went on to Chatham, and preach* 
cd in the evening on We walk hy faithy not hy sight. 
Wednesday 3, I went to Sheemess, where the society is 
considerably increased since I was here before. Thurs« 
day 4, at^noon I preached at Feversham, where, after a long 
winter, tf!e seed seems to be springing up. The congrega- 
tion was very large and deeply attentive. In the evening I 
preached in the new house at Brompton. I had not preach- 
ed there between thirty and forty years : and there is now a 
fair prospect here also. Friday 5, 1 returned to London. • 
' Monday 8, I had the pleasure of meeting an old friend^ % 
who gave me a pleasing account of the death of his mother^ 
which had made so deep an impression upon him, that he 
was almost persuaded to be a Christian. Wednesday 10^ 
and the following days, I corrected my brother's posthu- 
mous poems, being short psalms (some few excepted) on the 
ibur gospels and the Acts of the Apostles; They make five 
volumes in quarto, containing eighteen or nineteen hundred 
pages. They were finished April 25, 1765, and revised the 
eighth time. May, 1787 : many of these are little, if any 
thing, inferior to his former poems, having the same justness 
and strength of thought, with the same beauty of expres- 
doh ; yea, the same keenness of wit^ on proper occasions, as 
bright and a^ piercing as ever. 

Monday 15, In the evening I preached at Miss Tue1on*s 
school in Highgate. I think it was the coldest nigl^t I ever 
remember. The house we were in stood on the edge of the 
hill, and the east wind sat full in the window. I counted 
eleven, twelve, one, and then was obliged to dress, the 
cramp growing more and more violent : but in the mornings 
not only the cramp was gone, but likewise the lameness 
which used to follow it. 4 

About this time I was reflecting on-the gentle steps where- \ 
ty age steals upon us. Take only one instance ; four yeans. 

N 2 



180 RET. JOHN WESLET^S JOURNAL. [jDBC. 178S. 

ago my sight was as good as it was at five and twenty; I 
then began to obsenre, that I did not see things quite so 
clear with my left eye as with ray right : all objects appear- 
ed a little browner to that eye. I began next to fifid sooie 
difficulty in reading a small print by candle light. . A year 
after I found it in reading such a print by day-light. In 
winter, 1786, 1 could not well read our four shilling bjnnn- 
book, unless with a large candle. The next year I could not 
read letters, if written with a small or bad hand. ]^||rt winta 
a pearl appeared on my left eye, the sight of wnch grew 
exceedingly dim. The right eye seems unaltered s only I 
am a great deal nearer sighted than I ever was. Thus are 
^^ those that look out at the window:^ darkened," one of the 
marks of old age : but I bless God '^ the grasshopper is not 
a burden : " I am still capable of travelling, and iny memo- 
ry is much the same as it ever was ; and so I think is my 
understanding. 

Thursday, Christmas-day, We began the service, as usual^ 
at four, in the New Chapel. Notwithstanding the severe, 
frost, which had now lasted a month, the congr^atipn wa» 
uncommonly large. I preached here again in the evening.* 
about eleven in the chapel at West-street. This was a com- 
fortable dayy as were also the two following. 

Sunday 28, 1 preached at All-hallow's church, on these 
words in the service, His commandments are not grievous. 
The congregation was exceedingly large, and seemed to 
taste the good word. Tuesday 30, the frost continued ;Se- 
vere : yet the congregation was uncommonly )arge in this 
evening, and God warmed many hearts. 

Wednesday 31, A numerous company concluded the old 
year with a very solemn watch-night. Hitherto God hath 
helped us : and we neither see nor feel any of those terrible 
judgnients, which it was said, God would pour out .upon, 
the nation, about the conclusion of the year. 

For near seventy years I have observed, that before any 
war or public calamity, England abounds with, prophets,. 
who confidently foretel many terrible things. They gene- 
rally believe themselves, but are carried away by a vain im« 



JAN. 1789.] REV. JOHN WE8LEY*8 JOURNAL. 181 

agination : and they are seldom andecdved, eyen by the 
faildre of their predictions, t)ut still believe they will be ful* 
filled some timer or other. ' 

Thursday, January 1, 1789. If this is to be the last year 
of my life, according to some of these pr(>phecies, I hope it 
\rill be the best. I am not careful about it, but heartily re- 
ceive the advice of the angel in Milton, 

** How yfeW is thine : how long permit to heav'n.'^ 

Snn^Mk 4, Although the extreme severity of the weather 
kept mn^ tender people away, yet we had a large congre- 
gation in the evening to renew their covenant with God : 
and we always find when we avouch him to' be our Grod, he 
avouches us to be his people. 

' Monday 5, At the earnest desire of Mrs. T — 1 once more 
sat for my picture. Mr. Romney is a painter indeed t he 
struck off an exact likeness at once, and did more in onie 
hour than Sir Joshua did in ten. Tuesday 6, I retired* io 
Highbury-Place, and ou Thursdays, to Peckham. Here in 
the evening I preachied to a very serious congr^ation^ al^ 
though many of them were of: the better rank : but. rich; and 
poor seemed equally determined to work out theirf/«wn «!« 
vatiou. J • ,' • "- ' J. ■ .' ■ '•!.;;• -. ■'. 

Friday 9, Ileft no money to any one in my will, because 
I had none : but now considering, that whenever I im re* 
moved, money will soon arise by sale of books, I added a 
few l^acies by a codicil, to be paid as soon as may:be. 
But I would ftiin do a little good while I live : forivhtitan 
tell what will come after him ? . .: 

Sunday 11, 1 again warned the congr^ation 'as strongly 
as I could against conformity to the world : buti who will 
take warning ? If hardly one in ten,: yet is my record with 
theMost High. .: ' ' 

« Tuesday 13, I fipent a day or two with my good old 
friends at Newington. Thursday 15^ I retired to'Camber* 
ivell, and carried on my journal^ probably as far as" I shall 
live to write it. On Thursday I preached once more at 
PecUiam, and did not shua to declare unto them that had 
«UB to hear, the whole Qounsd of God, 



182 RBY. JOHN Wesley's journai*. [fsb^ 1780,» 

Friday 16, I looked over the finest picture of atheistical 
religion that I ever saw, in the account that Captain Wiboa 
gives of Thule, king of Pelew : but how utterly needleiss ift 
either the knowledge of God (consequently how idle a h^A 
is the Bible,) if a man be all-accomplished, that has fio 
more knowledge of God than a horse, and no mote of hk 
grace than a sparrow ? 

Tuesday 20^ I retired in order to finish my yfti^s ac* 
eolmts. If possible, I must be a better ec6iioifl||6bfor in- 
stead of having any thing before hand, I am nolMMsider* 
ably in. debt : but this I do not like; I would fain settle 
even my accompts before I die. 

Sunday 25, Much of the power of God was in the con« 
gregation, both in morning and afternoon: as also on 
Monday evening, which gave me a good hope that Grod 
i^ill carry on his own work« At the earnest importunity of 
our friends, on Wednesday S8, I went to open the new 
preftohing«honse at Rye : it k a noble building, much lofti- 
eic than most of our houses, and finely situated at the bead of 
flie t6wn J- It was thoroughly filled. Such a congregation I 
nbversawat Rye befiore: and their behaviour was as le^ 
markable as their number ; which added to the peaceaUe^ 
loving spirit they wre now in,'gives reason to hbpe there wOl 
be sudh li work here as has not been heretofore. 
' THiirsdlly 29, I went over to Winchelsea, once a large^ 
fiofaiishing city ; but ever sioce it was burnt by the Danes, 
a little inconsiderable town, though finely situated on the 
top of a range of hills. The new preaching-house was weH 
filled with deoeitt, serious hearers, who seemed to receive the 
truth in thalove of it. I returned to Rye in the afternoon, 
aild in the evening preached to another large and serioui 
congregation. Friday SO, we made our way through mi-> 
imble roads to Sevenoaks, where the congr^ation, both 
evening and morning, was uncommonly large : so (whethof 
I see them again or not) I cheerfully commended them to 
God, and the next morning rettimed to London. 

Sunday, February J , We had an exceedingly sdtemn sea- 
son, both morning and evening. It seemed hideed as if th» 



fift** 1789*] hby- joiin we8Lby'« joubnal^ . 183 

«ki6s poured' down righteousness on all that Med Mf^ tbetr 
hearts to God. 

Monday 2, and the following dajr^,.! spent in liieettng' the 
classes. Friday 6, being the quarterly-day for' meeting the 
local preachers, between twenty and/ thirty; ctf them met art 
West-street, and opened their hiearts to each othen Tdung 
the opportunity of having them all together, at the watete 
night ifftrongly insisted on St* Paul'^ advice to Timothy, 
Keep (m^bc^ which is committed to thy ^rt^^f,^ particular* 
ly the oBKine of Christian Perfection, which God has pe- 
culiarly entrusted to the Methodists. 

Wednesday 11, I went to Brentford, and found the socie- 
ty still alive, and increasing both in strength and number. 
Thursday 12, 1 preached once, more at Chelsiea, where there 
is at length a fair and promisiiig prospect. Friday 13, I 
took a view of that noble building, Chelsea College^ and all 
the parts of it. It is. designed to^lpdge five hundred pldscJ- 
diers, who are furnished with all things needful for life a»d 
godliness* Sunday 15, we had the usual blessing at Spiial- 
fields. Mwiday 16, 1 %ept 'to' Dorking. I scai-cely find any 
society in. England like tkrs. Year afier, year' it seems at 
one stay, neither increasing' nor decreasing : only if one or 
two die, one or two are quickly added to fill up the 
number. * 

Tuesday 17, I ^exartiined thjs society at Deptfbrd, and 
preached there in the evening. Wednesday 18, 1 retir^ 
into the country to finish my writings. Sunday S2, God 
was eminently present with us at West-street chapel, both 
itt the morning and evening. Tuesday 1^4, Mr. W 
called upon me, and we had ail agreeable and useful con« 
versation. What a blessing is it to Mr. P. to have such a 
friend as this ! In the evening I expounded part of the se* 
cond lesson, Eph. iii. 

Friday S5, Was the day which t had ordered all our. 
brethren in^ Great- Britain and Ireland, to observe with fast- 
ing end prayer, for Ae recovery of his Majesty's health: 
but we had the.satisfiiction to hefar, that before we asked, 
(unless in private) he answered : iosomucb that the time in* ^. 



184 ABV. JOHN WE8L£Y*8 JOURNAL. [MARCH 1789. 

tended for humiliation, turned into a time of thanksgiving ; 
and both at five, at nine, at one, and in the eyening, we 
were mostly employed in praises. 

Sunday, March 1, was a solemn day indeed. The New 
Chapel was sufficiently crowded both morning and after- 
noon, and few that expected a parting blessing, were disap- 
poiRted of their hope. At seven in the evening I took the 
mail coach ; and, having three of our brethren, wespent a 
comfcNrtablenight, partly in sound sleep, and paHpn sing- 
ing praise to God. It will now quickly be seen ymtmef they 
who prophecied some time since. That I lAduld not- outlive 
this month, be sent of God os not. One w4y or th^ other, 
it is mif care, to be always readjf* . «; 

Monday 2, At Bath Ihe evening congregation was such as 
Ive used to have on Sunday evening ; and I hare seldom 
seen a lai^er here. In the moruing a young gentieman^ who 
had heard me the evening before, desired to speak to me s 
lie seemed greatly affected, and was almost persuade io be 
a Christian. In the afternoon he sent his carriage,, and 
would needs have me see his lady^ though she had laid in 
but two or three days. Whether they turn back or not^ they 
both seem now not fiur from the kingdom of God*- . 

Wednesday 3, I went on to Bristol, where we: had. a 
crowded congregation both this evening and the next. 
Sundays, in the evening I preached in Temple church to a 
large congregation. It was an* acceptable time, especially 
to the mourners in Sion* 

Mr. Baddiley read prayers for me, but could not stay to 
assist me at the Lord's-Siipper. However^ my streogUi wad 
as my day. Monday 8, and the following days, I visited 
the classes, which do not decrease either in grace .or num« 
ber. On all these evenings God was eminently present in 
the congregetion. On Thursday 12, the gmnd day of re» 
joicing for his Majesty's recovery, I preached on part of 
King Hezekiah's thangsgiving for bis recovery ; and indeed 
it was a season of solemn joy, particularly yih&k I applied 
those words. The livingy the living shall praise thecy O 
J^rdy fi$ zp^do at this day^ 



MARCH 1789.] BEV. JOHN WBSLET'S JOURNAL; 185 

Friday 13, I spent some time ^ith poor Richard Hen- 
derson, deeply affected with the loss of his only son, who, 
with as great talents as most men in England, had lived two 
and thirty years, and done—just nothing. Saturday 14, in 
the evening I preached in Temple church, perhaps for the 
last time; as good Mr. Easterbrook was sudd^y taken ill 
the next day. Well, whatever is, is best. Sunday 15, hav- 
ing Mr. Baddiley to assist me in the ihorning, I preached at 
Kingsinpd in the afternoon, and in the eveningat the room. 
We oMKluded the day with a solemn and comfortable love-^ 

^ Monday 16, We set out early and diued at Stroud^ whercr 
I had proof, that either people or preachers, cr. both, hAii 
left their first love. I strongly exhorted them^ to lemember 
from whence they wer^ fallen^ and do the first works. God 
applied his word, and I suppose two hundred were present 
at five in the morning. Tuesday 17, many were present at 
Gloucester in the evening : but they seemed to be little a& 
fected. Wednesday 18, 1 preached in Tewkesbury at noon.- 
The room was crowded, ^nd all seemed ^o feel.what they 
heard. 1 was informed that one who, two or ihrce yeaib 
ago, had carried all hi^ family to America, iniqu^ o£ 
golden mountains, had crept back again, being.utterlji beg- 
gared, and forced to leave liis fomily behind him. Intfaci 
evening the house at Worcester was/ thoroughly fiUed; 
with a deeply affected congregation : but we: were iagtelit 
want of more room. In due time God will give us* diia 
also. 

Friday 20, We went on to Birmingham, still increasing 
on every side. Hearing the cry of want of business, eiwn' 
in this, as well as most other trading towns in England^ I; 
considered what the meaning of it should be: andflie 
case seems plainly this: Two or three years ago business 
poured into Birmingham, and consequently more hanqs 
were wanting ; but when business returned into its usuaA! 
channel, they were wanted no longer. These men therefore 
certainly wanted biisin(^, and spread the ciy over the town. 
The aame must be the casQ at Ma:nche8ter; Liverpool^ and 



186 BEV. #OHN WESLBT'fl jfovuvAU [Hikftea 1789^ 

all other towns where there is an extraordiniiy Irad6 for a 
time: it must subside again; and then arisen the cry of 
*^ wiint of business." 
^ Saitarday 21, 1 had a day of rest, onlj preaching laOnt* 
ing and eFening. Sunday 22, was appointed for my oped* 
iag the house at4he east end of the .town. It would haT^ 
been crowded abore measure, but that the friendly lain iii<* 
lerposed, so that we had only a moderi^ congr^gatkin. It 
was otherwise in the evening, when heaps upon hoMp weve 
obliged to gd away. How white are these iidkkVto the 
harvest ! Monday 23, the congregation at Dudley pretty 
well filled the new house. Thence we hastened to Maddey, 
Iriiere 1 fdund Mrs. Fletcher better than she had been fof 
many years ; asad young Mr. Fletcher much alive to God, 
and swiftly growing up into the spirit of his onde. I 
preached in the evening, after Mr. Horne had read pfrayers, 
to a deepty serious congregation, and again at liine in the 
inomii^, Wednesday 24, in the preaching-house she hai 
lately fitted up. Groing on to Shrewsbury, at six I preached 
in the pieachii^-house, on 1 Cor..xiii. 1, 2, S. Several of 
the gentry, and several clergymen wdre there, and 1 bdieve 
ilot in vain. I had purposed to set out early in the mom- 
ing, but was persuaded to stay another day, there heit^ 
iioiWsi fairer piMpect at Salop than had been.befoie. i 
jj^nsAched morning and evening. I have cast my bread ap** 
Onr-lhe waters, and bqjie it will be fi>udd again, at kast, after 
■Maydays. 

Thursday 26, We set out early, and taking post horses at 
Clowmst, reached * Conway between eight and nine o'clock, 
lumng travelled seventy eight miles that day, twenty dght 
more than ftrom Chester to Conway. 

Friday 27, We went on to Holyhead, and at eight in Ac 
evening went on board the Clarcmont packet. The wind 
stood fair three or four hours: it then turned against i», and 
Mew hard. I do not remember I was ever so sick at sea be« 
fore : but thk was little to the cramp which held me most of 
the night with little intermissioii. All Saturday we were 
beating to ttd firo^ and gaimng little gtiNmd : and I wa^s* 



JM^Rth 1789»] KBY. JOHN WBHiBTV JOVRNASfc 187 

ill throughout the day as to ht fit fornotfaio^: but I slept 
wdl in the night, and atiout eight in the morning, Sun« 
day 29, came safe to Dublin Quay. 

I went straight up to the new* room. We had a numerous 
congregation, and as serious as if we had been at West-streets 
I preached on the. sickness and recovery of Kii^ Hezekiah 
and King George : and great was our rejoicing. I reaily took 
knowledge .of the change which God has wrought, in this 
Gongregiyifin within a few years. A great part ot th^m. were 
light anff%iry:. now almost all ai^pear as serious as deadly 
Monday 90, L began preaching at five in the morning, and 
the congregatioh both then and the following mornings, was 
fsa larger in proportion than (hose at London. Meantime i 
had letter upon letter omeeming the Hunday service i but I 
could not give any answer till I had made a full enquiry 
both into the occasion and the effects of it. The ciccasioit 
was this : About two years ago it was complained, that few 
of our society attended the church on Sunday; most 6f 
them either sittingi^t home, or going «n Sunday morningtb 
some dissenting in^tiog : hereby mimy q( them were hori^ 
and inclined to sep^iale &&at the church. T& prevent tbis^ 
it was proposed to have service at the room, 'which I con« 
s^ted to, on condition that thejr would attend St. Paitriipk's 
every first Sunday in the months - Vhe eflect was, Jy:l!hai 
they went no more to the meetings^ 4, That three times mote 
went to St. Patrick's (p^ha|)6 ^i± time^ more> in sin di 
twdve months, than had done for ten or twenty yeafs before^ 
Observe ! this is not done to prepare .for, but to prevent a se- 
paration from the church. 

On the mornings of this and the following week I tx* 
pounded the thirteenth chapter of the first epistle to the Go« 
rinthians : such a compendium of true religion as tione but 
the author of it can give. The evening congregations weM 
exceedingly large, as well as deeply attentive. Frfdny^ 
April S, 1 preached ai Betbesda, and witk mheh liberty of 
spirit. Saturday 4^, 1 preached in 6rat«l-walk house, t^ 
filled as I never sai^ it before ; and they all soeined t^ hea^ 
as foif life ; it was a comfbirtabi^ night* ^ * 



188 KBV* JOHN WlMiBT^g JWRN'A^'. [AP^lt. 1799. 

.Sunday 5, i preached in the new room at seven. ' At 
elereni went to the cathedral. I desired that thosfe df <Mir 
society, who did not go to their parish bhurches, would go 
with me' to St. Patrick's 9 many of them did so. It was 
said,' the number of communicants was about five hundred. 
More than went there in the whole year, before Methodists 
were known in Ireland. 

4 

. Monday 6, To-day, and for some days following, I was 
so overborne with letters that I had hardly time if ^o any 
thihg'but to read and answer them. Wednesday 1^^' visited 
knd administered the sacrament to our poor iwidows, four 
and twenty of whoih are tolerably provided for in our 
trtdow's house. The frowardiiess and stubbornness o£ some 
of these, was, for a time, a grievous trial to the rest: but 
this is past. They are all now of a b^ter.spirit, and adorn 
the doctrine of God our Saviour. > 

Thursday 9, {n the evening I met, for the second time^ 
the bands : I adilfiired them much ; they are more open 
thiui those either ih London or Bristol; * and 1 think here is 
|v greater number «f diose that are now clearly perfected in 
love than I i)o<w find even in London itself. - 
. Friday 10, . Being Good-Friday, I accepted of the pies-* 
singi invitation of Mr. Smyth, and preached atBethesda 
both morning and. evening: in the morning, on the new 
covenant, as it is now given to the Israel of God ; and in 
tiie evening on Heb. ix. 13, 14, If the blood of bulby &c. 
Ai both times we had a brilliant congrc^tion, among whom 
were honourable and right honourable persons. But I felt 
they were all given into my hands ; for Grod was in the 
midst. What a mercy is it, what a marvellous condescen- 
sion in God to provide such places as Bethesda, and Lady 
Huntingdon's chapels, for these delicate hearers, who could 
not bear sound doctrine if it were not setoff with^ these pretty 
(rifles! 

Sunday 12, (Easter-Day) We Iiad a solemn assembly 
ind^, many hundred communicants in the morning and in 
the afternoon, fiur more hearers than our room would can* 
tain, though it is now considerably oilaiged. Afierwaids I 



APRIL 1789.] ABY. JOHN WESLET's JOURNAL. 189 

met the society, and explained to them, at large, the origi- 
nal design of the Method^, viz. Not to be a distinct party, 
but to stir np all parties, Christians or Heathens, to worship 
God in spirit and in truth ; but the Church* of England in 
particular, to which they bejbnged from th6 beginning. 
With this view. I. have uniformly, gone on for fifty years, 
never varying from the doctrine of the Church at all ; nor 
from her discipline, of choice, but of necessity. So, in a 
course of years, necessity was laid upon me, (as I have 
proved flbewhere,) 1, To preach in the open air: 2, To 
pray extempore : 3, To form societies ; 4, To accept of the. 
assistance of lay preachers ; and, in a few other instances,, 
to use such means as occurred, to prevent or remove evil^ 
that we either felt or feared. 

We set out early on Monday 13, and about twelve 
reached Clonard, five and twenty Irish miles from Dublin. 
Three or four times as many as the house could contain, 
met together at five o'clock : the power of God was remark- 
ably present, when divers were cut to the heart; and per- 
haps none more so than the master of the house. We had 
another good opportunity at seven in the morning, Tues- 
day 14, which we closed with a serious, pointed conversa- 
tion, and then went on to TyrreFs-pass. Though the wind 
was piercingly cold, the multitude of people obliged me to 
preach abroad in the evening: after which I gave them all 
a plain account of the design of Methodism; namely, not to 
separate from the church, but io unite together all the chil« 
dren of Grod that were scattered abroad. 

Wednesday 15, About ten I preached io a small congre- 
gation in the court-house in Molingar. We had a far difie- 
rent congregation, both as to number and spirit, in Long- 
ford court-house in the evening : it was a beautiful sight. 
Great part of them came again at seven in the morning, and 
seemed to relish those words. He that doth the will of Oody ^ 
the same is my brotheVy and sister^ and mother. 

Thursday 16, Heavy rain came on in the evening ; yet , 
the preaching-house at Kenagh would not contain the peo- 
ple. Friday 17, I came to my old friends at Athlone : but. 



190 ABV. JOHN Wesley's joit&njll. [afbil 1780; 

to my surprise, I found them heaps upon heaps. I hastened 
to hear the contending parties &ce to fiiee, and was aniaied 
to find, how much matter a Itttk fire kindles. Some of the 
leaders had causelesslj taken ofience at the assistant. He 
called on Mr. R. and warned him against imbibing the 
same prejudice, telling him, ^^ If he did, he must beware 
of the consequence," (mining thereby the misdiief it 
would do among the people.) Misunderstanding this word, 
he grew very angry. OUiers took part with him^ and the 
society was in an uproar. I talked with him flh I was 
tired, but in vain. One might as well have talked to the 
north wind. So I gave him up to Grod, and only endea- 
Toured to quench the flame among the people. * 

Saturday 18, Was a day of peace. Sunday 19, the cqm- 
manding-officer sending to ofier me the us^ of any part of 
ihb barracks, I preached at five in the riding-house^ a veiy 
spacious building, to a multitude of people, on Believe in 
the Lord Jesus Christy and thou shalt be stvoed. I ihink the 
word did not fall to the ground. Monday SO, I preached! 
about eleven at B — , and at six in the church at Aughrim. 
It was much fuller than when I preached here before: and 
many Papists were there, who, as the minister informed me, 
had attended the chuirch ever since I was there before. 

Tuesday 31, About ten I prieached in Eyre-Court cl^urcb, 
so filled as I suppose it never was before : and n\any of the 
bearers seemed to feel the word. Thence we, went on to- 
Birr. How is the scene changed here i One of the dullest; 
places in Ireland is become one of the liyclie^t! But I CQuld 
not preach abroad in the evening, by reason of the raip : so 
we made all the room we could in the preajching-hous^ aud 
ii?i the yard; and a most solernn opportunity we had., . 

Wednesday 33, About noon I preached in the beautiful, 
n<ew court-house at TuUamore. Deep attention sat on the 
rich as well as the poor; as it did likewise at Coolylough in 
the evening. > 

Thursday 33, Being the thanksgiving-day for the reco- 
very of his Majesty^} health, I preached in the court-hous^ 



■-■i 



APRili 17S9)>] it£T« JOHN Lesley's jtouavAL. 191 

at PortarliogkHi, as soon las. the church senrice ended. The 
congregation was exceedingly well-dressed^ but careless and 
iU-behaved. At six I preached in the church at Mount- 
Mellick, crowded with hearers of quite another kind. Th^ 
were all attention, and in the morning, filled the preaching 
house. 

. Friday 349 The church at Maryborough was far larger^ 
^xl^ one of the most elegant that I have seen in the kingdom* 
It w£^ thoroughly filled in the evening, although many of 
t)i6 heaiPers looked as if they had not been in a church be- 
fore: but in half aQ hour they were serious as death : and 
ip the morning, Saturday 25, the lower part of the church 
was well filkd. Surely many will remember that day. Iq 
the evening I preached at Carlow; where, that I might 
not overshoot the congregation, I preached on So teach, 
us to numb0' our dt^^js^ that t€e may apply our hearts unto 
wisdom- 

r 

Sunday S6, I preached in the morning, and at five in the 
evening : the people were very civil, and many of theqi* at- 
tentive ; but I think the time of Garlow is not yet come. 
Monday S7, I reached Enniscorthy about noon ; and pre^ 
aently ailer, as it had continued to rain, I preached in the 
place prepared for me, which was a large, though not very 
d^ant, cow-house : however, God was tbere : as likewise 
in the assembly-room at Wexford, where I preached to a 
laige congregation in the evening. 

Tuesday 5^, About no(m we reached the ferry, on 4he 
west side of which Mrs. Deaves was waiting; She pressed 
me much to go witli her in the chaise, and at least to dine 
at her house, saying, ^^ Mr. Deaves was willing to settle 
the house in any way that I desired !" The same thing fa^ 
said to me himself; so I hoped all things would end well* 
In th^ evening I preached to a numerous congregation, oni 
Mark iii. 35. The God of peace and love was in the midst 
of us, and seemed to a&ct the whole assembly. 

Wednesday 29, We had a large congregation in the 
mcnrning. At breakfast, and at tea, on these two days, I 
met all the society, (eight 01 ten excepted,) and we greatly 



IS mcT. JOKT vmsT^ ji0vmMA&. [mat 1789 



#/ ike fftvpei #/ Ckrhi. AAemvdi I itnM^j exboifed 

pMl gffinr«Hc% and oaljr to piovoke 



FridtTy Ibj I, We voil to GqioquB : the nu pie-^ 
mj pwrhJMg ateoftd, I aice|ilal cf a toj kuge 





wittdD tkcir vuislil: iMftAe 



S. TW heve it C^rt: mm flkd 
wrilaswHkikepowrrofCML Moadaf 4, i9il wagam 
It ive, wh» I adewnwred to qveark the fre whith wamt 
had hheaif >l to hkdir iinaig Ihr peer, qwA|nflr, abiMA 
«pH^h^ fimi the chmh. letheiiiai^lfchedon 
Luke Tin. 91^ aad the viimnI was as bc^ k paoed to the 
of aorf aad Sfml» jaiatoaMd ■■■■ua, TmaimjS, 
■ntTOTfiwUkAeiMbMr, I doiifd Jaarpb Snd- 
fmd to pRach« la Ae ftraiag I |iachcd am Mammktr 
from wkaice tktm mrt fmBem^ mmd rrftai mti dip Ihr fird 
maris, ybmjy I bidiefe^ aie canesdj ji a nwwl aa todiL 
Maj God $tTe them the power! 

Wedmsd^ (K I pleached on that ranaitaMr pnphenry 
Gea* UL ^> which i» sa fdtatlf firifikd at this dinr, 
whemn God diM^ '' Setae Ae aenrilr pM^o^ef HbbI" 
Thnisdeix T^ I went to B^HMka and iaUed The Ufr of 
■uRHi Trenck ; ^ straa^ccst I ever read. Was thne ever 
aach a final iac;urttatie as the hto Kia^ of I^aaria? Tie to* 
ikt such aaheaid-of toRaeafes fiar w aaa 
&dt! GoodkhadbeemftrhM^ifheh«i 
Tei^ what a wvetch was Taewck hknaelf ! He 
least scEwpfe of adidleffir and auHnier! ^ 
to have a jot aaNee lel^rioii than as lahabilaBt of < 
I think ibefetbfe this is a aaost danoenMs boak« I 
that cares 6r his aodl wMitfci lead a pa^e of it. 

In the eYewJUifl^ I peeacheil in the aew 
twtae or thnce ds la^ »^ the ohL It was weil fifed hoik 



MAY . 1789, J REV* JOHN WESI^EV.'s JOURNAL. 195 

this evening and the next : but I did not find the same life 
in this people as in those at Cork. But God is able to €ause 
an grace to abound here also. Saturday 9, I returned to 
Cork, atid earnestly enforced, Thou shalt have no other 
gods before me. 

Sunday 10, After preaching I administered Jthe Lord's- 
Slipper to about four hundred and fifty communicants. I 
was enabled to speak with power in the evening, to more 
than the house could contain, and afterwards to the society. 
May Gfod write it on all their hearts! I am now clear of 
their blood. 

Monday 11, At half an hour after two we reached Kil-^ 
kenny, and at six I preached on One thing is. needful. A 
few seemed to understand what I meant : as also at five in 
the morning, when I expounded. There is neither work^ 
nordevicey nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither 
thou goest. 

Tuesday IS, I felt myself a good deal out of order; how- 
ever, I pushed on to Limerick^ where theRev. Mr. Ingram, 
(one of the chaplains of the cathedral) gladly received me : 
so did Mrs. Ingram and all the lovely family, where I 
wanted nothing which the kingdom could afibrd. At six tfai 
house would not contain the congregation.' I preached on^ 
There is one God. And it seemed as if all under the roof 
were sensible of his presence. ^ 

Wednesday 13, I was not well able to preach in the 
morning, so Joseph Bradford took my place: but about 
eleven I preached myself at, Pallas, about twelve miles from 
Limerick. AH the temains of the Palatine fatnilies oame 
hither from Balligarane, Court Mattris, and Ratkeaty in all 
which places an uncommon flame has ' lately broken out, 
such as was never seen before. Many in 'every place have 
been deeply convinced, many converted to Gkkl, and some 
perfected in love. Some sok;ieties ate doubled' iii nuinber, 
sonie increased six, ik eveh tenfold. ' All the fieigliSouring 
gentry were likewise gather^ together ; *o that no house 
could contain them, but I'^ivas obliged to i^and abroad; 
The people, as it were, sw^lowed every Word, and freat 

VOL. VI. O 



194 &KT. JOHK WESLET's JO PENAL. [UAT 1789* 

was our rejoicing in the Lord. Thursday 14, 1 preached in 
the morning on Rev. ii. 4, 5 ; in the evening on Luke iv. 18. 
All the congregation were, for the present, much affected ; 
with many, I trust, the impression will continue. 

Friday 15, We set out at five, and between three and 
four reached Castleboy. In the evening I preached at Kil- 
ciist to so large a congregation that I was obliged to 
preach abroad, though it rained all the time. As I had not 
been well for some days, this did me no good : but I hdd 
up till Saturday 16, when we came to Ballinrobe, and then 
gave up and let another preach. After a very uneasy night 
on Sunday 17, I went on to Castlebar, and, finding myself 
much better, preached in the evening to a lovely congrega* 
tion. But I was obliged to let Joseph Bradford preach in 
the morning,- on Monday 18. Being stronger in the even- 
ing, I preached again, and met the earnest sociefy increas- 
ing both in number and grace. Tuesday 19, retiring to a 
friend^s house, about a mile from the town, I took a fuU 
account of the late wonderful affiar of Mr.. F d . 

Mr. George Robert F »d, at his first settling' neai 
Castlebar, about the year 1776, made himself very popular: 
but mean time his pride was excessive, affirming, that being 
the head of the Desmond family, he was the premier noble- 
man of Ireland ; therefore he expected that all the country 
should submit to him : hence he fell into disputes with his 
fiither, and, by turns, with his brother, and kept his neigh- 
bours in perpetual alarm. In 1779, when volunteering be- 
gan, he raised a company, which was wholly subject to 
him. Soon after, he engaged Patrick Randal McDonald, a 
relation, as a captain in his company. But not long after, 
a. dispute arose between them, relative to the driving of 
some cattle. Mr. M^D., being informed that Mr. F. in* 
tended violence to him, placed some men near hb own 
)iouse, and ordered them, if he approached the house, to 
fire. Mr. F. approaching, one of them did fire, which 
killed his horse, and wounded him in the knee and 1^. Oa 
this he prosecuted Mr. M^D. at the following assiies; who^ 
after a fiill hearing, was acqi^tted. 






MAY 1789.] EEV. JOHN WESLEY's JOURNAL. 195 

Another matter of contention soon ensued. Mr. M^D.y 
being an attorney, was employed against Mr. F., and car- 
ried the suit. This inflanied Mr. F. bejrond m^asidre, of 
which Mr. M^D. was frequently informed. This continued, 
however, to the close of the year 1785 : when Mr. M^D. 
beii^ at Ca$tlebar one night, a blunderbuss, charged with 
eight or nine bullets and slugs^ was discharged through this 
window of the room where he used to sit. Immediately afttf 
Chrj^mias, the witnesir, Mr. R. 6., wto sitting in Mr. M.'s 
cdlar, bottling some wine, when he heard a very uncommon 
sound of a musket, and a loud shriek- following it. Going 
out, the first thing he saw was Mi'; M^D.^. wounded in the 
leg. On his cry, three m^ ran out of the little house of 
Mr. F., whence the gun had been fired fn>m a hole tbiV>ugh 
the wall, which had been made on purpose. 

He' then took a lodging in CastlebariifBiit on the 90th of 
JRebruary, 1786, accompanied by Mr. G.,, Mr. H«, and 
Mr. M.) went to liis house in the country. They had been 
l:^t a while there, when they found it surrounded by man j 
farmed men; on -vlrbich Mr. M^D.'^ friends made thek 
escape to a neighbouring village. Meari time they broke ioto 
his house, "and not finding him, broke into several hou$e$^ 
At length they came to the house where he was, fired several 
balls through the doors and windows. Then they broke in 
and made McDonald', Grallagher, and Hfpson, prfaoaers; 
and one Fulton said he had a warrant against them. They 
desired he would bring than hetote Sir Ndeil O^Donnel, a 
magistrate, then within five miles. But, instead of this, 
they were tyed and dragged toF.'s house in Turlogh, where 
they continued all night. 

Tuesday, February 21, About six they were marched out 
with a large company, under pretence of carifying them be- 
fore a magistrate. Gallagher and Hipson were tyed toge« 
ther; M^Donnald being sufiered to ride, becauie of hit 
wound, a ruffian holding his bridle. When they got about 
half a mile from Tufl(^h, a shot was fired from the^rear, 
which wounded one of the ruffiams; F d contriving it 
flo, that they might cry a rescue, on hearing of wb^h thejr 

08 



196 BEYr JOHN weslet's jovrnal, [mat 1789. 



were ordered instantly to dispatch the prisoners, 
atelj several shots were fired at the prisoners. Hipson was 
Aot dead, and Gallagher wounded. M^Donnald had both 
his arm» broken : • bnt his horse took fright and broke from 
the ruffian. Gallagher had crept a little waj, but ihej 
soon found him. Some were fbr dispatching him instantlj, 
but others moved to carry him to Mr. F ■ d *s. At his 
house he was kept prisoner aU the night. 

Wednesday S8, The news coming toCastlebar^ Mr. Elli- 
son, the magistrate, went up with a large party of the army 
to Turlogh. They rushed in ; but, after searching HB. the 
house, could not find F^ ; till two young men w^it into a 
room, where was a large trunk; on touching the hasp of 
which, he jumped up like a harlequin, fell upon hm knees^ 
and begged ^^ they would not kill him.'' He was tb^i car* 
tied out and committed to Castlebar gaol, wiiere be re- 
mained till the June following. He* was found goiky on 
June 6, and executed the twelfth. After drinking a botBe 
ctf port, he went out of prison, with the air of (me going to, 
H ball. He gave a spring off ' the ladder, which snapped 
the rope in two: he fell down, but instantly leaped up* 
All his courage was gone, and none could die more 
^nit^t. : . ... 

ekmday 17, Having been a good deal out of Ofder £» 
some days, I had thoughts of retttniing straight to London: 
but I judged it best to try a little loi^r : so I set out for 
Castlebar. In a moment I felt an entire change ; only I felt 
a little feverish : but this did not hinder my preaching in 
the evening, nor God from giving us an uncommon bles* 
sing. The same attended us on the following evening^; but 
more eminently on Tuesday, both morning and evening: 
as well as in the administration of the Lord's^Supper, in 
which two clergymen desired to partake with us* 

Wednesday 20, We set out between three and four, and 
in just twelve hour* reached Sligo. There I met S. Penning- 
ton once more, with her lovely daughter and son-in-law. I 
perer before saw such a congregation in Sligo, jo numerous 



HAT 1789.] HE¥. JOHN WESLEY^BIJOUIIN All. 197 

» 

and so serious* Does there yet another day of visitation ap« 
pear, even for this desolate plade ? 

Thursday SI, I was constrained, by the earnestness of the. 
people, to preach at five, though with nmch difficulty; my 
tongue literally cleaving to the roof of my mouth, through 
extreme dryness. Between nine and ten I was agreeably 
•surprised at Manor-Hamilton, where I expected little good. 
But the power of God ML upon the congregation, in a very 
uncmnmon degree, so that scarcely any one was unaffected. 
We thtn hobbled on, through wonderful roads, to Aniia- 
dale, where we soon forgot all the labours of the day ; fear 
which the amiable fiimily, and the earnest congregation, 
made us large amends. 

Friday S2, We went oh to Balliconnel, where I was 
nothing glad that the rain drove us into our melancholy 
house: however, we had a comfortable meeting; and, I 
believe, many found their desires increased, of voorshiping 
God in spirit and in truth. Saturday 23, between ten and 
eleven I preached at Kilkshandra, in a pleasant meadowy 
to a large and attentive congregation^ though' we had a few 
light showers of rain. Hence we went through a most 
beautiful country, equal to any in England, to Killmore. 
After dining at Mr. Creigh ton's, we took a walk to see the 
remains of the venerable castle, where Bishop Bedell ^as 
confined. It stands on a fine lake, being built exactly rounds 
with walls nine feet thick. It is remarkably high, but has 
been for many years without an inhabitant, one side of it 
being beaten down by Oliver Cromwell. A very large con* 
gregation, from all parts, assembled in the evening; to 
whom I proclaimed Jesus Christy made of God unto us 
wisdontj akd righteousness^ and sanctification^ and redemp* 
tion. 

Sunday 24, At seven I preached in the town-hall at 
Cavan, to a very large and well behaved congr^ation. As 
I went through Ballrhays, the poor people docked round 
me on every side, and would not be contented till I came 
out of the chaise, and spent some time with them in prayer. 
I expected, being a &ir mornings to see a huge congr^- 



198 REV. JOHN weslbt's joubnal. [jiat 1789. 

tion at Clones : but, while vre were at church, the rain came 
on : so all I could do in the evening, was to let Joseph 
. Bradford preach to as many as the house would cootain, 
and to administer the Lord's-Supper to our own society. 

Monday S5, I preached to a multitude of people, in the 
Old Gamp, on All things are ready, come ye to the mar* 
riage. The congregation seemed ready to receive eveiy 
word. I have hardly seen, since I left Cork, such oongrc^* 
tions, either for number or seriousness, as is this at Cloiies. 

Tuesday 26, The rain prevented my preaching abroad at 
Brooksborough, although the congr^ation was exceedingly 
large. Part of them were sheltered by a spacious turf-hoose^ 
and the rest little regarded the rain ; for the Lord wateied 
us, in an uncommon degree, with the dew of his blessing. 
And a more affectionate family than Mr. M^Carty's, I have 
not found in the kingdom. This appeared more p^iculaily 
in ibe morning, Wednesday 27, when we were talking to* 
gedier, one and another fell upon their knees all round rae, 
and most of them burst out into tears and earnest cries, the 
like of which I have seldom heard, so that we scarcely knew 
how to part. At noon I preached to an unwieldy multitude 
in the market-house at Enniskillen ; and I am persuaded 
not in vain ; God was there of a truth. I concluded the 
day by preaching at Sidare, to the old, steady coi^rega* 
tion. 

Thursday S8, 1 went on to Kirlish-lodge, through storms 
of wind and rain : yet we had a large congregation of se- 
rious people, though divers came from &r. In the morn- 
ing, Friday 29, we spent an hour at Lord Abercom*saeat; 
three miles from Newtown-Stewart. The house is el^ant in 
the highiest degree, both within and without. It stands on 
a little eminence over a fine river, in a most beautiful park. 
But the owner has not so much as the beholding it with his 
eyes, spending all his time in England. 

Between Newtown and Moyle we had such lain as I 
pever saw in Europe before. In two minutes the horsemen 
were drenched from head to fix>t. We dined at the rector's, 
Pr. Wilson's^ a man of very uncommon leaining, partictt* 



JUNE 1789.] REV. JOHN Wesley's journal. 199 

larly in the oriental tongues. At six fae took me in bis 
coach to the Castle-yard, where a numerous congregation 
soon assembled. Almost as soon as I began to preach the 
rain began. Observing the people begin to scatter, i prayed 
aloud, that God would stajf the bottles of heaoen : he did 
so ; the people returned, and we had a comfortable refresh** 
ing shower of heart-reyiving love. Saturday 30, I todk a 
Tiew of the improvements round the house, which ave won- 
derfully pleasant. I have seen few comparable to them ia 
the kingdom, except D. Leslie's at Tandragee. 

Sunday SI, (Whit-sunday) I preached at Londonderry 
at ten, two hours before the church service began, on They 
were nil fMed with the Holy Ghost. I found an agreeable 
prospect here; a neat, convenient preaching-house just 
finished; a society increasing, and well united together; 
and the whole city prejudiced in favour of it. On Monday 
and Tuesday the congregations were uncommonly large, 
though we had rain every day : particularly on Tuesday 
evening, when the hearts of the people seemed to be as melt* 
ing wax : and likewise at five on Wednesday morning: I 
preached on Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. A 
good farewel to Londonderry. 

Wednesday, June 3, A quarter of an hour after I set out 
the axletree of my chaise snapped in two. In about half an 
hour I procured another chaise, and in three hours reached 
New-town Limavady. Finding a congregation was wait* 
ing for me in the preaching-house, I went to them without 
delay. The house was th<M:oughly filled with deeply atten- 
tive hearers, and the power of God was among them. 

We went hence through miserable roads io Colerain, but 
the company there made amends for them. We met with a 
right English society, in spirit, in carriage, and even in 
dress. But I was concerned to find John Stephens, a lovely^ 
young preacher, in a deep consumption, from which, I 
judge, nothing can recover him^ unless, perhaps, a total 
butter-milk diet. In the evening the large meeting-house; 
which was offered me was well filled, though the rain was- 
heavy, , j . .;. . .;.. 



900 B£V. JOHN Wesley's joubnaii. [jiihjb 1789* 

Thursday 4, I was fully employed in answering a heap 
of letters. In the evening, the rain continuing, as it ht^ 
done almost every day since we set out firom .DuUin, I was 
glad to accept of the meeting-house again, which was fuller 
than the evening before. Friday 5, we went a few miks out of 
our way to call at a small village, where abundance of peo- 
ple flocked to the church, and appeared to be quite ripe for 
the gospel : so I preached on Now is the accepted time: 
now is the day of salvation. Thence we hastened on to'Bal- 
limena, where the rain did us no harm by driving us into the 
meeting-house, where a large congregation cheerfully heard 
the word that is able to save their souls. 

Saturday 6, The largest meeting-house I have been in was 
that which I preached in at Antrim : and the people be* 
haved exceedingly well; the children as well as the. rest. In 
the evening I was at the new diapel at Lisbum, the largest 
and best finished in the North of Ireland. Sunday 7, it was 
well filled at nine. We went to church a little before twelve, 
where the singing was admirably good; the clerk^ who 
teaches them to sing, having been formerly a leader in our 
society. The day continuing stormy, I could not preach 
in the street, but we were glad to retreat into the linen-hall. 
Here was such a congr^ation as I have not seen since I 
came into the kingdom : but some things, called gentlemen, 
were walking to and fro and talking, during the greatest 
part of the sermon. If these had been poor men, probably 
they wobld have had common sense i The meeting of the 
society which followed, (at which we permitted many others 
to be present) was exceedingly solemn. The power of God 
feUupon many. I observed one gentlewoman in particular 
that wept and trembled exceedingly. I did not wonder 
therefore, that the room was filled at five, and that we had 
a parting blessing. 

Mondays, We went on to Belfast. I had, at first, thought 
of preaching in the linenjiall ; but the weather being very 
uncertain, I went to the heads of the large meeting-house to 
desireithe use of it ; which they granted in the most obliging 
manner. It is the completest place of public worship I have 



JftNE 1789«] R£Y. JOHN WESLBY's JOilFllNAL. SOI 

ever seen. It is of an oval form : as I judge by nxj eye^ 
a hundred feet long, and seventy or eighty Broad. It ia 
very lofty,, and has two rows of large window, «o that it is 
as light as our New-Chapel in London. And the rows of piU 
lars, with every other part, are so finely proportioned, thai 
k is beautiful in the, highest degree. 

The house was so crowded, both within and without^ 
(and indeed with some of the most respectable persons in the 
town) that it was with the utmost difficulty I got in; but I 
then found I went not up without the Lord. Great was my* 
liberty of speech among them ; gr^t was our glorying ia 
the Lord : so that I gave notice (contrary to my first design) 
of my intending to preach there again in the morning : but 
soon after, the sexton sent me word, ^^ It must not be ; for 
the crowds had damaged the house ; and some of them had 
broken off and carried away the silver which was on thb 
Bible in the pulpit." So I desired one of our preachers tot 
preach in our little house, and left Bel&st early in the 
morning. 

Tuesday 9, About eight I caxae once more to Newtown^ 
where I had not been for eleven years, and preached at nine 
to a multitude of people in the Presbyterian meeting-house. 
All of them seemed to be not a little affected. God grant 
the impression may continue ! From hence we had a plea^ 
sant ride to Portaferry, a pretty large isea-port town, and one 
of the quietest I ever saw, either in England, Scotland^ or 
Ireland. Here likewise I preached in a large meeting-house, 
to a serious and well-behaved coi^regation, on Stand ye 
in the old paths, and many seemed determined to wtdk 
therein. 

. Wednesday 10, We had twice or thrice as many pe(^le 
in the morning as our^ house would have contained.. We 
Had then a lovely passage to Strangford: but the question 
was, where to preach. I was inlined.to pteach in the. open 
air, as I did eleven, years ago, till tfie ;vicar called upon me, 
and after a little friendly conversation, asked tne if I would 
Bot'preach in the chapel. As we "walked together through 
the street, the people gathered frdnii etery quarter,' so that 



909 R£y. JOHN WESLET's JOUEN AL. [JVITB 1780. 

the charch was oyer-fi11ed,<inany being constrained to stand 
without the door : and greatly was the mighty power of 
Grod displayed in the midst of them. 

We came to Downpatrick before one. In the afkernoon 
we viewed the venerable ruins of the Abbey. Great men 
have talked of re-building it, for many year% : but none 
moves a hand towards it. At six I preached to a nam^ous 
congregation in the Grove, on How long halt ye between 
two opinions^ Afterwards I met the soci^y, now well 
established, and still increasing both in number and strength. 
Thursday II, I preached in Rathfriland about noon, wsad 
before two set out for Tandragee : but in about half an 
hour, the iron part of my fore-axletree broke ; so I walked 
forward with two of our brethren, which was easier than 
riding either of their horses : but before we came to Lock« 
Brickland, my strength was so exhausted I was glad to stop 
at a little inn, and send to Bann-bridge, about two miles off^ 
for a post-chaise. It came soon after six o*clock, and I set 
out immediately. I had gone about a mile, when Mrs* Les- 
ley met me with her chaise, (who set out as soon as ever she 
heard that my chaise was broken ^down,) and took me with 
her to Tandragee. A multitude of people were waiting, 
(twice as many as were in the Green at Downpatrick :) when, 
finding no want of strength, I earnestly proclaimed, God 
was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. Such a con- 
gregation I have not seen since I came into the kingdom ; 
neither such a pleasing place, shaded with tall, spreading 
trees, near which ran a clear river : and all the people list* 
ened with quiet and deep attention, to drink of the water of 
life freely. 

Friday 12, I had a day of rest, in the same delightful 
grove, and preached on Thou shalt love the Lord thy God 
with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Saturday 13, I 
had another quiet day, to answer my letters and revise my 
papers. I think the evenii^ congregation was the largest we 
have seen in the kingdom, and they all seemed to feel the 
application of these words, which God applied with un» 
oopimoa power, Thau shaU love thy neighbour as thyself. 



njHE 1789.] BEV. JOHN WESLSY'i JOVmNA|«« 90S 

Sunday 14, I preached to as nearl j as large a congrc^- 
tion at nine, on Rejoice in the Lordy ye righteous* After, 
preaching in the evening, I lodged at Killiman, and preach* 
ed at seyen in the morning at Mr* Caulfield's door. In the 
evening I preached in the Castle-yard at Dungannon, on 
There is one God, ,ivith the demonstration of the Spirit. It 
is a lovely place, and contained a large congregation. Tues- 
day 16, I preached in the street at Blackwater-town, on 
I Cor. X. 13. The word sunk deep into many hearts, for 
God was in the midst of the congregation. In the evening 
I preached once more to a multitude of pec^le, in Mr. 
M'Gougli's avenue : to whom I paid, probably, the last 
visit, as he is just tottering over the grave. 

Wednesday 17, I went on to Newry, and preached once 
more in the Presbyterian meeting-liouse, well filled with rich 
and poor. It was a blessed season : as it was nearly at five 
in the morning. Thurs. 18, about ten I began in the Market- 
place at Dnndalk : the congregation was large and exceed** 
ingly qiiiet. They were tolerably quiet at Drogheda in the 
evening, and deeply attentive at six in the morning. Fri« 
day 19, about eleven I'{>reached in the street at Swoids, and 
in the afternoon reached Dublin. ^ 

Sunday 31, 1 preached and administered the LordVSnp* 
per : in the condusion of which 

*^ The o'erwhelmipg power of grace divine," 

overshadowed the congregation. On Monday, Tueidaj, 
and Wednesday, I visited the classes, now containing a litUe 
above a thousand members, after I had excluded about a 
hundred. Thursday 25, I went on to Mrs. Tighe's, at Ro- 
8anna,:nearWicklow, an exceedingly pleasant seat, deeply 
embosomed in woods on eveiy side. In the evening I 
preached in the great hall, to about. a hundred very. genteel 
persons: I beUieve most of them lelt as well as heard; 
some, perhaps^ may bring forth fruit. 

Friday S6, After s^iending a quiet day, I went in the af- 
ternoon to Wicklow,^and preached in the Court-house to a 
)arge oongregatton, civil, though unawakened enough : yet 



S04 ABT. JOHN WESLET^g JOURNAL. [jULT 1789. 

a few appeared to be deeply attentive ; and I hope -will seek 
the Lord while he is near. Saturday S7, we returned to 
Dublin by the Glen of the Downs, much resembling that 
which' lies north above Keswick-^ Water. All this country is 
remarkably fruitful and pleasant, having, in many parts, a 
fine sea as well as land prospect. 

Sunday 28, In the conclusion of the morning tfarvice we 
had a remarkable blessing : and the same in the evening ; 
moving the whole congregation as the heart of one man. 

This day I enter on my eighty-sixth year. I now find I 
grow old. 1, My sight is decayed, so that I cannot read a 
small print, unless in a strong light : 2, My strength is de- 
cayed, so that I walk much slower than I did some years 
since: 3, My memory of names, whether of persons or 

places, is decayed, till I stop a little to recollect thenu 
What I should be afraid of is, if I took thought for the mor- 
row, that my body should weigh down my mind, and cre- 
ate either stubbornness, by the decrease of my understand- 
ing, or peevishness, by the increase of bodily infirmities : 
but thou shalt answer for me, O Lord, my Grod. 

Friday, July 3, Our little Conference began in Dublin, 
and ended Tuesday 7. On this I observe, 1, I never had 
between forty and fifty such preachers together in Ireland 
before : all of them, we had reason to hope, alive to Grod, 
and earnestly devoted to his service : 2, I never saw such a 
number of preachers before, so unanimous in all points, 
particularly as to leaving the church, which none of them 
had the least thought of. It is no wonder that there has 
been this year, so large an increase of the society. 

Sunday 5, 1 desired as many as chose it of our society to 
g6 to St. Patrick's, being the first Sunday in the' month. 
The Dean preached a serious, useful sermon ; and we had 
such a company of communicants as I suppose had scarcely 
been seen there together fi)r above a hundred years: • Oilt* 
house would not contain those that came in the •evening ; 
many of whom being littleiawakened^ I preaehed on) It is a 
fearful thing to fM Mo^th^. hmds of the IhirngGod^ Qu 
Monday an4 Tuesday , we w||tted^ the 'fiest of pur business^ 



JULY 1789.] RET.. JOHN ITSSLEY's JOURNAL. 205 

and on W^oesday moniin^ w;e. parted in the same love 
in Which vfe met. / ! - . . 

I had much satisfaction, in/ithis Cbnference; in which 
conversing wiih between forty aiid fifty travelling preacheis, 
I: found such a body of men as 1 hardly believed could have 
been foiuid together in Ireland j: men of so sound expe- 
rience, so deep piety, and so strong understanding; lam 
convinced they are no way inferior to the English : Con- ' 
ference, except 'it be in number. Friday 10, we observed as 
a day of fasting and prayer, chiefly for the increase of the 
work of God. This was concluded with a very isolemn 
watch-night, wherein the hearts of many wer6 greatly com- 
forted. . 

Sunday 13, At seven I preached in Marlborough-street, 
where (though it rained all the morning) we had a full con- 
gregation of serious people. We met at the hew room at half 
past nine ; and truly God was with us : we had never iso many 
communicants before ; but as my day so was my stren^h. 
About two we. left Dublin, and hastened down to the shiji, 
the Princess Royal of Farkgate, the neatest and most elegant 
Packet I ever saw : but the wind failing, we did not get out 
of the bay tHl about twelve. • We had teceedingly 'agree- 
able company : and I slept as well as if I bad been in- my 
own bed. Monday 13, the sea being smootii, I shut myself 
up in my chaise, and read over the life of the &moits Mt. 
George F« — , one of the most extraordinary men (if we may 
€all him a man) that has lived for ihany centuries. I liever 
sead before of so cool, deliberate, relentless' a murderer ! 
And yet from the breaking of the rope at his execntioa, 
which gave him two hours of vehement prayer, there is 
foom to hope he found mercy at last. 

In the evening we sang a hymn upon deck, which soofi 
(diew all the company about us. I then, without any delay, 
began preaching on, It is appointed to men once to die. I 
lielieve all were a little affected for the present. We were 
then eoAstrained to slacken^ sail, and to lie by for some 
iMmrs, not having water to pass the Bar. However, we 



S06 BBT. JOHN W£iLKT*8 JOUftH AL. [jin^T 17d9. 

bnded between four and Are in the morfiing, Toesdajr Ui. 
and after resting an hoar I wetil to Chester* I lodgtsd at 
T. Brisco's, a lovely ftmily indeed, just such' anbCher as 
Miss B.'s at Keynsham. The children indeed are not quite 
so genteel, but fully as much awakened ; aad I think the 
most loving 1 ever saw. The house was thoroughly filled in 
the evening (it being the fiiir-time) as well as the following. 
-Thursday 16, when I took ray leave of the family, they 
came all in tears. It is long since I saw the like. Abodt 
noon I preached to a large and much afiected congregation 
.at North wich. A, flame is lately brdcen out here, such as 
never was seen here before. In the evening I preached al 
Manchester. Sunday 18, I consulted Dr. Easton, finding 
my thirst and fever much increased. His medicine imme- 
diately took place ; and I was so much better in the morn- 
ing, Sunday 19, that I preached, and with Dr. Coke's as- 
sistance, administered the sacrament to eleven or twdhre 
hundred communicants. I preached again in the evening; 
but it was too much for me, and brought back my fever. 
Monday 20, 1 went on to Halifax, where in the evening I 
preached to a noble congregation, and afterwards spent 
nearly another hour in exhorting the society. Tuesday 81, 1 
bid myself at Otley, and prepared for the Conference. Fri- 
day 24r, I piteached to a lovely congregation, on £ph. iv. 14. 
Saturday 25, I preached in Dewsbury in the evening, on 
•Bev. xiv. 1-— 4. It rained all the time : I and several moic 
were wet to the skin. I lodged in Joseph Taylor^s house at 
iSommersal, who labours for peace, and would &in recon- 
cile Christ and Belial. 

In this journey I employed some part of my leistue time 
in reading Mr. Foster's voyage round the world. In many 
.parts of this one would think he was almost persuaded to be 
a Christian. But how is it then that he says, vol. I. p. 196^ 
f^ We listened to our boat's crew, who repited a number of 
.dull stories, intermixed with hearty curves, oaths, and inde^ 
cent expressions, &c. (obscenity) but seldom witliout real 
humour." Now, what need of mentioning these heai^ 



1789.] ABT. JOHN Wesley's journal. 207 

curses and paths, with such profound indifference, if it were 
not to screen himself from the imputation of beliering the 
Bible ? 

Sunday S6, 1 preached at noon in Birstal house to as liye« 
ly.a congregatiou as eyer was seen there,. and at fiye preach-* 
ed on the education of children. Monday S7, being not 
well able to preach in the morning, through the heat and 
dryness of my mouth, in the eyening I preached on 1 Tim« 
vi.20. . 

Tuesday S8, The Conference began : about a hundred 
preachers were present, and neyer was our Master moreemi- 
nently present with us. The case of separation from tbe 
church was largely considered, and we were all uaanimotts 
against it, Saturday, August 1, we considered the ; case of 
Dewsbury-house, which the self-elected trustee&i haye robbed 
us of. The pomt they contended for was this, that they should 
baye a right of rejecting any preacheis they disapproy^ <^: 
but this, we saw, would destroy itinerancy. So they chose 
J. A. for a preacher, who adopted W. EL for his curate* 
Nothing remained but im build another, preaching-hpuse^ 
toward which we subscribed two hundred and six pounds 
on the spot. .. 

Sunday S, Knowing the church would not contain half of 
our congregation added tp its own, we began at our room, 
at half an hour past nine. After preaching, with the assist- 
ance of three other clergym^i, I adminbterecl the sacrametit 
to fiflieen or sixteen hundred persons, I hope, aU desirous to 
be inward Christians. Tuesday 4, haying, before preached 
to the people at large, I now spoke directly to the preachers^ 
on If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of Godz 
and I am peniwded God appUed his word to many of theit 
hearts. 

Wednesday 5, About noon we left Leeds : and that ^y^* 
ing went to Newark, about s^yenty miles. Thursday 6, we 
set out early, and between four and fiye reached Hinx'worth. 
I was now pretty well in/clioed to rest ; but a congr^atiou 
soon getting tc^ether, {would not disappoint them, but 
Itteitched on We Uyoe him because he first lojied ps. AfvX 



908 RET. JOHN WBALBY's JOURNAL. [AHO. 1789. 

after preaching, and traveling fourBcoie miles^ I was no 
more tired than when I set out in the mcNrning. Friday 7, 
we reached London between one and two, and found grcA 
reason to praise the gracious power which had piesrared « 
by sea and by land, in all known and aaknown daqgoti^ 
onto the present hour. ' 

Saturday 8, I settled all my temporal business, and, in 
particular, chose a new person to prepare the Arminian Ma* 
gazine, being obliged, however unwillingly, to drop Mr. 
O-^, for only these two reasons, 1, The errata are insuflkr- 
able : I have borne them for these twelve yciEirs, but can bear 
them no longer : secondly, several pieces are inserted with- 
out my knowledge, both in prose and verse : I must try 
whether these things cannot be amended for the short resi- 
due of my life. 

Sunday 9, The New-Chapel was sufficiently ciowded, 
both in the morning and at four in the afternoon. At seven 
we set out, and about noon on Monday 9, reached BristoL 
Finding all things here in a flourishing £Aate, I set out for 
the West, early on Tuesday morning, and had an exceed- 
^S^y pleasadt journey to Taunton, where we had a full and 
serious congregation in the evening. Wednesday 10, 1 had 
no thought of preaching at CoUumpton^ though we were to 
pass through it : but I yielded to importunity, and preaoh- 
ed at one to a numerous audience. Thence we went on to 
Exeter, where the people were in high expectation of seeing 
the King, who appointed to be there the next day : however, 
a pretty large congr^ation assembled; to which I preached 
at six o'clock. We set out at three, on Thursday 13, aild 
reached Plymouth between one and two in the afternoon. I 
preached to a large audiaice in the evening : and although 
the day was extremely hot, yet I found myself better yes- 
terday and to day than I have been for some nKmths. 

Friday 14, In the afternoon I went On to the Dock, hav« 
ing previously determined, not to say or hear any thing of 
their late senseless quarrel, wherein 1 could not but Uame 
both sides, and knew not which to blame most : so I spent 
this and the next day in peace, and answered all my kttiHi. 



Sunday 16, In the morning, I telieye, we had not less 
than six handled communicants : but they were all admir^ 
ably well behaved as if they indeed discerned the Lord's 
body. But when I preached in the aflerncion, the houso 
would not hold half the congregation. I chose the space 
adjoining the south side of the house, capable of containing 
some thousands of people : besides, some hundreds sat on 
the ridge of the rock which ran along at my left hand. I 
preached on part of the gospel for the day, He beheld the 
city and wept aoer it : and it seemed as if every one felt 

^* His heart is made of tenderness ; 
His bowels mdt with love/' 

Monday 17, Setting out at three, we easily reached our 
friends at St. Austle by dinner time : but I knew not where 
to preach) the street being so dirty, and th^ preaching-house 
ao small : at length we determined, to squeeze as many as we 
could into the preaching-house, and truly God was there. 
Tuesday 18, we went on to Truro, where I had appointed 
to preach at twelve o'clock : but here* an unfipv^se^i hin* 
dbrance occurred ; I could not get trough (be .main^reet 
to our preaching-house. It was quite blqeked up with spt* 
diers to the east, and numberless tinners to ibfi. west, a huge 
multitude of whom being nearly starved, were come to beg, 
or demand an increase of their wages, without which they 
^could not live. So we were obliged to retire to the other end 
of the town, where I preached under the Coinage-hall to 
twice as many people, rich and poor, as the preaching-hous^ 
would have contained : and many of them would not have 
come thither at all. How wise are all the ways of God ! 

In the afternoon, as we could not pass by the common 
load, we procured leave to drive round by some fields, and 
got to Falmouth in good time. The last time I was here, 
above forty years ago, I was taken prisoner by an immense 
mob, gaping and roaring like lions: but how is the tidf 
turned, high and low now lined the street from one end 
of the town to the other, out of stark love and kindness, 
gaping and staring as if the King were going by. In the 

VOL. VI. P " 



916 , ntr. JOHN Wesley's jourh al« f avo. 178111 

evening I preached on the smooth top of the hill, at a small 
distance from the sea, to the largest congrc^tion I haye ever 
seen in Cornwall, except in or near Redruth : and such a 
time I have not known before, since I returned from Ireland. 
Qod moved wonderfully on the hearts. of the peofde, who 
jlll seemed to kiiow the da^ of their visitation. ' 

Wednesdajr 19,' I preached at no6n in the high sfreet in 
Helston, to the largest md most serious eohgr^fioii whicb 
I ever remember to have seen there. Thursday SO,'! went 
on to St. Johi, and preached in the* evening to a fovely 
congr^ation^ many of whom have not.left their first love. 
Friday SI, about eleven I preached at Njewlin, and in the 
evening at Penzance. At both places I was obliged to 
preach abroad. Saturday 28, I crossed oVer to' l^edruth, 
and at six preached to & large mulUtude as Usual, from the 
steps of the market-house. The word seemed to sink deep 
into every heart. I know not that ^ver T spent such a week 
in Cbrnwftll before. : •. . ' 

' iSolMay 8S, I preached there again in the '''nohiiiig, aki^ 
in the evenfbi^gbt'the^ amphitheatre, I sdppoii^ ibr the last 
time ; fot iny voice cannot now command the slill increasing 
muUitiidl?!! li Was supposed they were now more than five 
and iMrenty thousand. 'I think it scarcely possible that all 
should hear. ' 

Monday S4, Catling at Morazion, in my way to Penzance, 
where I had promised to preach ouce more, the house was 
filled in a few minutes, so that I could not refrain firom 
preaching a short sermon : and God was there of a truth. 
We had a Vainy afternoon, so I was obliged to preach in 
the new preaching-house, considerably the laig^, and in 
many respects far the best in Cornwall. 

Tuesday S5; I went to St. Ives and preached as usual, cm 
one side of the market-place. Well nigh all the town at- 
tended, and with all possible seriousness. Surely forty yean 
labour has not been in vain here ! 

Wednesday 26, I returned to Redruth, and applied io 
the great congregation, God was in Christ reconciling the 
XDorld unto himsdf. I then met the society, and exj 



ai70. 1789.] B£V. JOHN Wesley's journal. jSll 

at large, the rise and oiature. pf Methodisou And still Aver, 
I have never read or heard of, either in ancient or mpderti 
history, any other- church :Which build^ on ^ broe4 a £>uiv 
dation as the< Methodists do. ;. which requiros of i}4 membens 
no conformiij, either, in ophiions QXimodes of worship, but 
barely this one thing; to /ear God.dnd work righteousness. 

Thursday 27, We set out early, .and .reached Truro soon 
Idfter fiv6> c I preached: at* siKt6 a house full of serious peo- 
•ple, aaAwfike^ thou tfhal sleepest. The congregation seemed 
4o beawakew Thenc^<we basted forward to Port-rlsaac. . I 
preached in>the evienlng, in an open part of the:toivrii, toat- 
Inost all the inhabitants of :it. . How changed sinpe the time 
when he that invited me duist not take me in £ot fear hjs 
bouse should be pulled down ! . * 

', . Friday iS8^ I preachbd lit jnite in our liewhoiiBe at Ctftiel- 
JR>rd, /tboToughlyfiUpd^ithoiighat a shortj waring; ^anS at 
six ih the evening (JiL$ the .new house at ; Jj^nnoestoii^ gtill 
loo stiiallf;for thd '^oongregationyiwho seemed exceeding 
lively;: So.therftis>ibi&ic pro^)eCt in Cornwall^^lroiit Ll^ 
ioe8tQn..t» ^1 Jj^ndts ,£n44 : Saturday fiSy-^goitig'thpoiigh 
rXavistpckjlA^'pooiv majt askdd meio pretehwnfl b<giin;in 
^about i ^uortA (vfan hour^ thei^ilmefaiBgf^ouiiei being .iHed 
directly, but, with so poor a congregation aslJfhwmsDCft 
•seen before for twiof scivf n^jfefiiyi,; ulu the i(teiiinpl pieiahed 
at PlynfiKHitfa-dockr^tdTa y^)4)i(fer!^t 'congregatiw, imt 
/oqiially serious. . ^■ , .7 .. .i:.y^--' "• . '^..I T.) fy.'i^iz.i^i 
: Sunday 30, Our 8ervioe:b^taiat tent th^lrain .^reWnted 
the chapel being too mucli crowded. - In the ev^niag I 
preached at Plymouth, on Hpzt long halt ye hetxieentwo 
jDptnions? It:was an/awfuli season.. '..tAfterwards I lipentli 
comfortable evening with a few ! of r ourt serious br^hiea. 
•The jars both here and at the dock seem noji^ to be over, 
hnd the contending parties are willing- to hye in peaoev . ; 

Monday 31, We set out at three, in a lotely momillg^ 
Bnd reached Exeter between iSvelve and one.' Here the 
•scene was m||ph chahgedt many of the people werd scat* 
tered, and tie rest faint and dead enough. . The preaching- 
hiMise was swiftly running io ruin/ the rain jrunning thriNigh 

P 2 



!II9 llfeVi JOHN WB8tEY*S JOtRKAL* t^im* 17881 

the roof into it atnain i nnd five or six tenants living in tte 
house were noisy enougli^ having none to control tbenitf We 
^led earnestly upon God to arise^ and maintain hia own 
cause. He did so iii the evening congregation, which was 
ranch larger than usnal, while I strongly enforced the pa- 
rable of the sower^ and the dread of God meemed to rest on 
the whole congr^tion. 

TmsBday, September 1, We went through a ddightful 
connfry to Tiverton. In the evenings the Indqiendent m^ 
nisfer offering the use of his meeting-house^ far larger than 
oniB^ I willingly accepted his offi;r.' The coi^r^ation was 
fiur the largest I have seen in Tiverton for manyjrearsw I 
preached on Mark iii. 25, and it seemed all had ears to 
hear. 

Wednesdays^ I preached at Hidberton. I apoke 'here 
befine in the open air, but the rain prevented it now: bo^ 
as many as eiwld conveniently, got into the house. When 
we set out, one of my horses was quite lame^ so that it wa^ 
with great difficulty I could get ia Taunton. In the p^ven* 
ing we had ancb A congr^ation a^ lsap)x]Miy mks never 
'in that house before. Surely the ancient worh wUl iome time 
Irefvive^ and the prayiers of diat blessed main^ Joseph AUeyne, 
^be answered. . ■ :: 

*: Thmrsday 3, Bein^ oblig)^ to take post horsestat Tami^ 
toil, we went on id Gasiti^Cery. Here ^e fomnd a little 
company of lively Christians. We found such another, 
Friday 4, at Ditchet: but the rain drove ifs into tljHi house; 
where, as many as ioiald squeeze in, seemed to be much 
•affiscted* In the eVening 1 preached at Shepton, where the 
^'fltoie kindled some time since, i^ not yet extinguished. The 
ttsxi day we wmt on to Bristol. 

Sunday 6, I read pmyers, and preached, and adminir 
stered the sacrament to miiny hundr^s of communicants. I 
preached in tiie evening aJs usual ; and spent A little more 
time with the society than I commonly do s but it was more 
than I could well do ; yet^ in four and twenty hours I was 
as well as usual. The iair brought abundance of strangers 
to the preaching on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. 



SEPT. 1789.] I^BV. ^OHN Wfi6{.ET's JO^RSAU S13 

Thursday 10, 1 went over to Thomhary^ where we preached 
nearly fifty years, and hardly saw any frait. But whom 
can we despair of? Now at length it jseen^ thi^ God's time 
18 come. A few men of substanpe in the town have buiU a 
neat and coqriroodious preaching-house^ It was filled within 
and without with serious bearer? : and they did not bear in 
vain. 

Friday 11, I wept over to Kiogswood: sweet recess! 
Wbpre every thing is now just as J wish : but 

^^ Man was not born in shades to dwell !'' 

Let us work now ; we shall rest by and by ! Saturday 12^ 
I spent some time with the children ; all of whom behave 
well ; several are much awakened, and a few rejoicing in 
the fiivour of God, 

Sunday 13, As Mr. Baddiley assisted me in the mornings 
I took the opportunity of preaching at. King^ood in the af- 
ternoon, and abroad in the evening ; and was abundantly 
better in the evening than in the morning. Monday 14, I 
spent an agreeable hour with Mr. Ireland and Mr. Rcnnaine, 
at Brislihgton. I could willingly spend soine tune here ; 
but I have none to spare. 

Tuesday 15, In the evening I preacbed at Peusford) to 
an uncommon congregation, and with an uncommon bles- 
sing. Wednesday I69 I went on tp Afidsummer-Norton. I 
never saw the churpb so full before^ I preached on that 
verse in one of the psalms for the day. Open tht/ mouth 
widf:^ and 1 t^UlJill it; many, I believe, found the promise 
true. In the evening I preached to our honest, earnest 
colliers, atColeford; most of whopi attended agf^iii .at five 
in the morning. Thursday 17} I preached ^t Frome to a 
much larger audience, and with much of the presence of 
God. 

Friday 18, At noon I preached at Trowbridge, in an 
open place, to a multitude of people ; and in the evening 
to our old steady congregation at Bradford, but many of 
them are gone into a better wprld. Scarcely any of the rich 
and honourable are left : but it is enough that the gospel is 



il4 SBV. JOHN WEflLET'fl JOUftlTjiL/ [oCT. 1789. 

Reached to the poor. Satnfday 19, at Bath the soe»^ '» 
changed again : here ^e have the rich and hononrabfe'ui 
abundance : and yet abundance of them came eyen in a 
flionny night, and seemed as attentive as colliers. 

Sunday 20, I know not that ever I had so latge a nmdbcr 
of communicants before ; after I had applied stroi^lj, 
Neither circumcision availeih any things nor undrcumci" 
sio'n^ but a new creature. In the afternoon I applied strong- 
ly, God forbid that I should glory ^ &c. ; and in the even- 
ing, returned to Bristol. 

,. On Monday SI, and the three following days, I visited 
the classes at Bristol. Friday 25, I spent an hour at .Clare- 
hill with Mr. Henderson, I believe, the best physician for 
lunatics in England : but he could not save the life of his 
only son ! Who wajs probably taken, to bring his father to 
God!. 

Sunday 27, I preached at the . New Room morning and 
evening, and in the afternoon at Temple church: but it 
was full as much as I could do. I doubt I must not here- 
after attempt to preach more than twice a day. Monday 28, 
I strongly enforced the caution of St. Paul, Be not con* 
formed to this w,orld. But who can enforce it enough ? For 
what destruction does this conformity bring upon the chil- 
dren of God ! 

Tuesday 29, Being much importuned, I went to Chur- 
cliill, about twelve miles west of Bristol : the rain was 
heavy, yet many of the poor people made their way through 
it ; so that the church, the^ said, has scarcely ever been so 
filled before. After the service, many stayed in the church, 
because of the rain : so I spent some time with them in 
.singing and prayer, and our hearts were much comforted 
together. 

Thursday, October 1, 1 went over to Bath, and preached 
once more to a very large congregation, on 1 Pete^ i. 14. 
Friday 2, we had k solemn watch-night at KingswOod; and 
most of the people stayed to the end. Sunday 4, 1 purposed 
preaching abroad once more in the afternoon, but just before 
five the rain began t so I could only enforce, in the room, 



OCT. 1789.1 aEY« JOHN WESLEY^S JOUBNAt* 9|5 

those solemn words, in ihh firsi lesson for the day^ Turn j/e^ 
turn ye from your evil waysy &c. 

Monday 5, We set out at four; and, hiring post-horses, 
reached Mr. Whitchurch's at Sarum before dinner. In the 
evening the house was crowded extremely, and the voice of 
God was heard among them ; especially in the meeting of 
the {society, to whom I delivered my own soul once for all, 
Tuesday 6, about nine I spoke full as plainly at Winchester, 
I think, to the largest congregation I have seen there, and, it 
seemed, the most serious, on that awful subject, Mark ix^4. 
The audience at Portsmouth Common, in the evening, were 
of another kind ; to whom therefore I spake in quite another 
manner, fromEph. iii. 11, &c. Wednesday 7, about one 
I preached to another very serious congregation in the town, 
whom therefore I exhorted, to leave the first principles^ and 
go on to perfection. Thursday 8, 1 set out early, and in the 
.aflernoon we were brought to Londqn. 

I am now as well, by the good Providence of God, as I 
am ifkely to be while I live : my sight is so decayed, that 
I cannot well read^ by candle-light, but I can write as weU 
as ever : and my strength is much lessened, so that I can- 
■Upt easily preach above twice a day : but I bless God, my 
memory is not much decayed, and my understanding is as 
clear as it has been thesS fifty years. 

Sunday 11, 1 preached at West-street, morning and after- 
noon,, and then buried the remains of Dorothy Hundlebee, 
who, after an exemplary life, went to God in the full 
triumph of faith. Tuesday 13, 1 preached partly upon the 
.subject at the New Chapel, and strongly exhorted the con- 
gregation to be followers of her as she was of Christ. In the 
evening I went in the mail-coach to Barton-Mills, and 
thence in a chaise to Lynn. 

Wednesday 14, The heavy rain prevented tender people 
from attending in the evening. Sunday 25, in the morning 
I preached at West-street, on MatA. xxii. 1 1, " He saw a 
man not having on a wedding garment," and shewed, 
1, That this has no manner of respect, either to the Lord*8- 
Supper, or righteousness of Chpt, but that it means neither 



S16 BET. JOHN WE8LET*8 JOtTRNAL. [iTOT. 1789. 

more nor less than holiness. At three I preached io a crowd- 
ed audience at AUhaUows church on Matt. yi. 8. At both 
places I belieye God strongly applied his word to Jtaanj 
hearts. 

Monday 26, I set out early, dined at Wallingford, (just 
fifty miles from the New Chapel) and preached in the eyen- 
ing to fiir more people than the preaching-house could con- 
tain. It was a day of God*s power, and I believe iadOst of 
the stout-hearted trembled at his word. 

Tuesday 87, I went on to Witney : here I found a Uvdy 
people, many of whom were hungering and thirsting after 
righteousness* Of what use to a whole community may one 
person be, even a woman that is ftill of faith and love ! The 
Lord strengthen thy heart, and fully prepare thee for every 
good word and work. 

Thursday 29, I returned io Oxford, and as notice had 
been given, though without my knowledge, of my preach* 
ing at noon, I did so, on There is one God^ to a very sorious 
congregation : but in the evening such a multitude oi peopte 
pressed in, that they hindered one another from hearing. I 
I know not when we have bad so noisy a congregation, so 
that, by their eagerness to hear, they defeated their own 
purpose. 

Friday SO, In my way io Wycombe, I spent an hour alt 
Mr. Smith's in Cudsdem. He has ten children, from eigh- 
teen to a year or two old, but all under government; so that 
I met the very picture of my father's family. What a 

wretched ste:ward was he, who influenced Lord H to 

put away such a tenant! In the evening the house at Higfa- 
Wy combe, though full, was still as night. Saturday 31, 
we came safe and well to London. 

. Sunday, November 1, 1 preached on Rev. vii. 1, and we 
rejoiced with solemn joy. Monday 2, Miss H. met meat 
Hatfield, and took me on to Hinxworth. I never saw that 
preaching-house so full as it was this evening : and the peo- 
ple now begin not only to understand, but to relish what 
they hear. Tuesday 3, we went over to Wrestlingworth, 
where likewise the church was fuller than ever before, i 



NOV. 17B9.] Utr. JOttH WBSLtT's JOURNAL 2lt 

spoke exceeding closely the next eyening at HinxtlroKby 
which the peoptd are now able to bear: and at length thit 
excellent woman that has so tenderly cared for them, seet 
some fruit (tf her labour. 

Monday 9, I returned to London, Bnd the four fdlowing 
days I employed in visiting the classes. Sunday 15, we had 
(as usual) a large congr^ation, and a solemn oppoilunitj)' 
at Spilalfiddsj and another at Shoreditch church, ?wher^ I 
preached a charity sermon^ At five I preached at the New*^ 
Chapel and met the society : but it was too much for me. 

M<>nday 16, After an intermission of many weeks, through 
the dryness of tny mofith, I resolved to try if I could not 
preach at five in the morning, and did so with not much dif^ 
•ficulty : and I nOw hope to hold on a little longer. Wednes- 
day 18, I found much life in the society at Brentford : so 
little Cause have we to despair of any people, though for the 
present, ever so dead ! Thursday 19, I prtoched to a large 
congregation at Lambeth. On Friday and ^Saturday I an* 
swered toy letters. 

Sunday 22, We had large congrega^ons and a comfort- 
able opportunity both morning and evening at West-street 
chapel. Monday 23, I set out for Northamptonshire, and 
in ^ the evening preached at Whittlebury : but the house 
would ill contain the congr^ation, which were all seri- 
ous as death. So they were the next evening. Wednes- 
day 25, the dissenting minister at Towcester, ofiering me the 
use of his^ meeting-house, it was well filled, and 1 believe 
our Lord was in the midst. Thence we went on to North- 
,ampton, where I spent two evenings with very great satisfiic- 
tion : although the great man who was so aflfected nt Bath 
last year, was (as I expected he would) ashamed to see me. 
Friday 27, we had a pleasant joqrney to London. 

Sunday 29, I preached at the New-Chapel in the morn- 
ing, on Love is the fulfilling of the law : and in the even- 
ing OU' Owe no man any things but to lote one another^' vluA 
each time God was eminently present. Monday 90, 1 went 
to Deptford, and found the society In peace, but nearly itt 
one stay. I endeavoured to stir wp both themi and the coii- 



f 18 ABT. JOHir WSSUY's JOUJUIAIl» ^BPC. I78O4 

gtegstion in the eyeiiii^ io go an to petfetiiitm. Taesday, 
December 1, I called on Mr. Domfoidy and firand he ke|ift 
his bed) being ill of a «tiibbom ague i tutt it came no nMwe* 
At noon I preached in the new preachingrbo«ae at Mitcbain^ 
and examined the little eaitiest 'society, aIm<M all fejoidng 
in the love of Grod: 1 then retired \o the loydjr fiunilj 9t 
Balanu . 

Here I had leisure on Tuesday, Wednfesday, and Thurs* 
day, \o consider thoroughly the account of' the Pelew^ 
Islands. It is ingenious, but I esteem it a dangereusi 'lHM>k^ 
which I cannot believe, if I bdieve the Bible e foir tte' di- 
rect tendency of it is to shew, that tihe Bible is quite need* 
less ; since, if men may be as virtuous without revelation as 
with it, then itis quite superfluous : then the (aUe of Jesus 
Christ, and that of Mahomet, are eqnally valuable. I dd 
not say, that Mr. Keate, much less Captain Wilson, design- 
isd io inculcate this consequence : but it necessarily ibtlowsy 
if you believe the premises. I cannot bdieve there is such 
a heathen on earth as AbbaTbule; much less such a hea^ 
then nation as is here painted. 

But what do you think of Prince Lee Boo ? I think he 
was a good natured, sensible, young man, who came to 
England with Captain Wilson, and had learned his lessofi 
well, but was just as much a prince as Tom Cbacti was a 
king. 

Monday 7, I went to Chatham, and preached as usual, 
to far more than the house would contain: and it is no 
wonder, considering that the spirit and behaviour of the 
people, confirm the doctrine they hear. Tuesday 8, we 
took a walk in the dock-yard. In the evening I preached 
in the elegant house at Brompton : but it is already far too 
small. The people flock in on every side, to hear peace- 
ably the gospel. Thursday 10, I returned to London, and 
preached at the New-Chapel. 

, .Sunday 13,. Feeling much concern for poor backsliders, I 
endeavouied to explain and apply the concluding words of 
•the paral^le of the Prodigal Son, Thi$ ihjf brother was deady 



Bid. 17^.] BfiV. jroHit WBSLWV sovnvAi,* 910: 

and is alive again: hffwds hst afvjt is foundt ztid'in'iSt^ 
evening those of Hosea Tiii. 11. ' ' . 

Monday 14, I went to Canterbury, and preaCbed in the^ 
evening, on There is one God, Hie bouse would in -oa 
wise contain the congregation, in wlikh were several clergy-* 
men. It pleased God to give ihe uncOiumon liberty' krf 
spirit^ as also at Dover, the next evening, where the nfeir 
h^se, large as it is, was far too ismkll, so that many could 
not gei in. ■ 

Wednesday 16, Being quite hoarse, I could neither, siiig 
nor speak ; however, I determined to shew myself, at least, 
where I had appointed to preach. Coming to l^andwich 
about noon, and finding the congregation was Waiting, I* 
trusted itt God, and began to j^sdc: the more I spoke,, the 
more my voice was strengthened, so that, in a few miqutissy 
I think all coaldhear^ And many, I believe, took.k&ow-« 
ledge that what they heard was not the word of maU but of 
God. I preached again at Mkigatein the evening, till my 
voice was nearly as clear as: before I -begun. The Spirit of 
God was with us of a truth. 

Thursday 17, I. returned to Canterbury, and speut half 
an hour with my old friend Mr. Perronet, thelast of the 
six soni, and nearly worne out, and just tottering over the 
grave. In the evening we had another numerous congrega- 
tion^ and all deeply serious. Friday 18, we returned to 
London*: 

' Monday SI , I went to Sevenoaks, where the work, of Grod 
has" been at a stand for many years. It was a rainy nigbt^ 
notwithstanding which the chapel was crowded from e^id tQ 
end : the power of God seemed to rest in an uncommon de- 
gree upon the whole congregation. I was still more sur- 
prised ia see' the bouse filled in a v^y dark, rainy morning, 
a tsigfat which has not been for miany years. Surely God is 
libout to give this po6r, dead people, yet another gracious 
visitation. . .?. 

Friday IBS,. Christmas-day, we began the service in the 
New Chapel at four o'clock as usual, where f preached- 
again in the evening, after having officiated in West-street 



880 REV. JOUM W£8I«Br*8 JOUAHAL. TJAif* IT&QL 



at die cdrnmoa hour. Saturday 86, we had a very miconi- 
iQon congregation in the evening, with a very unoomiiiop 
blessiilg. Sunday 87, I preached in St. Lufce^ our pandi 
church, in the afternoon, to a very numerous congregation, 
on The Spirii 4md the Bride sat/j Came. So are the taUes 
turned, that I have now more invitations to preach ia 
churches than I can accept of. 

Monday 88, I retired to Peckhiuu, and at leisure honn 
read part of a very pretty trifle, the Life of Mrs. SeBamy. 
Surely never did any since John Drydeu study more, 

. << To make vice pleasing, and danmation shine^^ 

than this lively and elegant writer. She has a fine imagina- 
tion, a strong understanding, an easy style, improved by 
much reading ; a fine, benevolent temper, and every quali* 
fication that could consist with a totai ignorance oi God : 
but God was not in all her thoughts. Abundance of anec- 
dotes she inserts, which may be true or fiilse. One of them 
concerning Mr. Garrick, is curious : she says, ^^ When he 
was taking ship for England, a lady presented him with a 
parcel, which she desired him not to open till he was at sea* 
When he did, he found Wesley's hymns, which he imme- 
diately threw over-board." I cannot believe it. I think 
Mr. G. had more sense. He knew my brother well. And 
he knew him io be not only far superior in leamiiig, but in 
poetry, to Mr. Thomson, and all his theatrical writors put 
together: none of them can equal him, either in stroiig ner- 
vous sense, or purity and elegance of language. The musi- 
cal compositions of his sons are not more excellent than the 
poetical ones of their father. 

In the evening I preached to a crowded congregation, 
some of whom seemed a good deal afiected. Thursday 31| 
I preached at the New Chapel, but, to avoid the cramp, 
went to bed at ten o^clock. I was well served. I know not 
that I ever before felt so much of it in one night. 

Friday, January 1, 1790, 1 am now an old man, decayed 
from head to foot. My eyes are dim : my right hand shs^es 
much : my mouth is hot and dry every monuog. Lhave^a 



^f^fei. 1790.] itEv. JOUfi Wesley's jouR^Ar. 221 

lingering fever almost every day. My motion is weak and 
alow; however, blessed be God, I do not slack my labour. 
I can preach and write still. 

Sat. 9y I preached at Snowsfields, to the largest congrega* 
tion I have seen there for a year past, on I am not ashamed 
^f 'A^ gospel of Christ. Sunday 3, I suppose nearly two 
thousand met at the New Chapel, to renew their covenant 
with God. A scriptural means of grace, which is now almost 
every where forgotten, except among the Methodists. . 

Tuesday 5, 1 paid a visit to my old friend Marl^ Davis, 
and in the evening 1 preached to a small audience at. Lay^^ 
tonstone^ Wednesday 6, J preached to a larger and more 
awakened congregation at Stratford. Tuesday 13, I retired 
to Highbury-place to answer my letters. Sunday 17, I 
buried Mrs. Domford, (a good woman,} and preached her 
funeral sermon. In the afiempon 1 preached in Great 
St. Helenas, to a large congregation. It is, I believe, fift|r 
years since I preached there before. What has God wrought 
since that time ! . ... 

Thursday, 91, I paid a visit to an eminent sister^ of whom 
jevery one fleqiaired. She resolved to set out once more. 
May Grod uphold her with his right-hand. Sunday S4^,ive 
had a love-feast for all the society, at which many spoke 
their experience with much simplicity. Mbhday 35^ I went 
to Dorking, aiid laboured to awaken a harmless, honesty 
drowsy people, who, for many years, have seemed to stand 
stock still, neither increasing nor decreasing, 

Friday 99, We had our general quarterly-meeting, 
whereby it appeared, that the society received and ex- 
pended about jf 3,000. a year : but our expense still exceeded 
our income. Saturday dO, I began meeting the classes, 
which took up this day and all the next week. 

Monday, February 1, I preached the funeral sermon of 
that saint of God, Robert Windsor, many years a burning 
and a shitaing light. He was bom a few months after me; 
was a (n-ndent, serious, diligent mai^, full of mercy and 
good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy* He 
seemed on Iha brink of death some months ago ; but was 



SB REV. JOHN Wesley's jourhai*. [vbb. 179ft 

suddenly raised up again, praised God witboat ceasiiig a 
few days^ and then laid down and— died. 

Wednesday 10, We found much of the presence of God 
in the chapel at Brentford, where the oongr(eigatioa was ex- 
ceedingly large. So it was the next evening at Lambetli, 
fbcTugh perhaps not so much alive. Saturday 13, the meet- 
11^ of the penitents in the evening was exceedingly solemn; 
as, indeed, it generally is. Sunday 14, J preached a aernion 
to the children at West-street chapel. They flocked to- 
gether from every quarter : and truly God was in the midst 
of them, applying those words, Comcj ye liitie ckildreMj 
'hearken unto me, and I will teach you the *f ear nf tike 

Tuesday 16, I retired to Balam'for a few days, fti ord^ 
" to finish my sermons, and put all my little things in order. 
Thursday 19, I preached once more at poor Wandsw<»tfi. 
The hoiite was more crowded than it has been' for several 
years : and ' I could not hut hope that Grod will onoe more 
build up the waste places. Friday 19, I preached to a 
large audience at Chelsea, and examined the little society, 
who do not decrease but rather grow in grace, and straigthaii 

6ach other's hands. 

• ,j ■ ' . ^ ■ 

^ Sunday 21,1 preached to the children at the New Chapel, 
aiid believe, not in vain. " Monday 22, we had a comfort- 
^le opix>iiunity at West-street, and another 'on Tuesday 
evening at the New Chapel, where we had also a solemn 
meeting of the leaders. I submitted to importunity, and 
once more sat for my picture : I could scarcely believe my- 
self! The picture of one in his eighty-seventh year! 

Wednesday 24, I preached once more at Wapping to a 
crowded audience, and the next evening at the New Chapel 
thoroughly filled. Friday 26, I preached at Rotherhithe, 
where also there is laitely a remarkable revival of the work 
of God, Saturday 27, I dined at Mr. Baker% one of the 
sheriff} of London, a plain man, who still lives in an i|iQ- 
ytrd! In the evening I had such a congregation at Snows- 
fiddsy as has not been seen th^re.bejKNte for many years. 



Afterwards I metiUke pcftiitents fot tlMi last time t t^ey qnttd 
filled the loicmi,^' md-God wasin the midst of them* 

Sandny 8B) -We hate not^liad such a congregation at the 
NewCbai^lisine^'Aerrenewal of the covenant, oov such' a 
Uessing* the^ hearts of the people were like'MbltAffg warkl 
Most of th«m Were iti tears': and I tru^ th^y^'Mllciiot adod 
forget the exhortation whidh* was then giveii'dveai^'i^ Inllif 
mftembon I preached at West-street chsiqpel, tm £pbb'i. 1^ 2. 
Thechapel wonld not nearly contain the cotigr«;gftti(insf ail 
that could squeeze* in seemed mach< affected; Aiid it*wiis 
with difficiiltj I br^Ke though and'ibok chadse Ibr- Brent« 
ford^ where I caMe before sLl: a'clock. The con^regaiioii 
bete alsd'Watf by«^ the hrgest I ever saW-bere; i^'that it 
seMdS our labonkr, leven her^, will not be ih ykim « 

lif ondaty^ 'March- 1,1 left Brentford early in the morning', 
and in the evei^irig pr^ched at Nie^bury. The CongregatiM 
was large, and most of them attentive, but a few were wild 
a» colls untamed;- Wie bad none sircli'at Bath the following 
cHr«nlngV but all Wer^ lierioils as^death.' Indeed the work dT 
God seems io flourislh' here, deepening hs -well as widening, 
Wednescfay '8; ■ I took! w View of the? new bdtldings. Thto* 
asri^ as preeleat n6ne likettiheih -tki' England ^'they haiiie not 
only added a second crescent, with two be(iirtifili''mws of 
fcousesnear'LudiJtowtfy'^tiia WHold >t6wtt (in 4be oilier tiSde 
cf the city, which fe Wiftly ideiieasii^ eVeiy nScy. And 
must cill these tine tiutldirigs bfe'Mmt tit)! . ' <<' " 
' Thursday 4, I went on to BriiJtol, where 1 found a people 
ready prepared for the Lord. Thepreaefietsare in emuest, 
the fruit of which plainly appears in the congregations. 
Friday 5, hearing Mr. ^Y^^ of B6lton, -was dying, I went 
over and spent' an hour with him. 'His spftit was much 
comforted, and iMa^few days- he wai^'lielirfy as well as ever. 
Saturday 6, I preached in the evening at Temple church t 
Mr. Easterbrobk'haj}' lately beeis very '411: tout God has 

again lifted up his head to be a father to'thepoOT' a little 

longer. •■•'■•■.!. :•■:•.; j ♦.- :-i l /•..'/: .,.:f.- ^ 1 

Sunday 7, I preached at the room mornii]^ and^^eriiitg', 
tad about two in thaaflttiiC^da'atK'ingiBibdd.^J^tas Jcoii- 



99t ftEV* JOUK wBSLsy's 40vu9AUi [iU«e4 I79Q4 

qluded my ternion in tb^ room, a lady cMoff in ber carriage 
in all haste, and finding the sermon waa •?er, eaniealljr ^ 
sited to stay at the society. Afterwards she importuned me 
jnnch to /oaU on ber at the hot wells, wiheie hfsr hodwid, 
GovjernocJohnstdne, died two years agp. On Monday, 
Tuesday, J! Wednesday, and Thursday ^h^ ^came to the 
fvreacbing, and seemed to be much affiscted. 
.V On.FiJda]t evening I was at Kingswood, and preached to 
^cbia Oongregation as I have not seeii there, on a week 
day, fof forty years, unless it was at a watch-night.^ Satnr- 
di^ 13, I spent two hours with her at Grapby-hoiise^ and 
anepwered all her questions! She appeared quite wilUi^ to 
knOiW ike truth, and to be altogether a Christian; and vehe* 
roently desired, if our lives were prolonged, thai I would 
yisti her in London : but, if we should live, irould she then 
be willing to see mc? If she is^ it wouk} be a mirade 
indeed. 

This week I visited (he dasses in Bristol. I wonder we 
do not increase in number, although many are ooovineedt 
many justified, and a few perfected in love: I can impnli 
Mie^antf^ increase to nothing but want of self-denial: W9th>> 
out this indeed,, whatever other helps they have, no beUevcr 
jcan go- fiMTward. 

., Sunday 14, Was a comfortable day. In the momii^I 
met the Strangers' Society, instituted wholly for the relief, 
not of our society, but for poor, sick, friendless stranger^ 
I do not know that I ever heard or read of such ao imtitu- 
tion till within a few years ago : so this also is one of the 
fruits (^ Methodism. 

Monday 15, I set o«t early, and dined at Stroud: but in 
the evening we knew not what to do. The preaching-house 
was far too small to contain the cm^rregaiion ; so that seve- 
.nd hundreds (it was sufqiosed) were obliged to go away : 
but the power of God remained with us. And great was our 
it'joicing in him. 

Tuesday 16, At noon I pieadied at Painswick to as many 
as the hoQse would contain ; in the evening at Gloucester 
we bid a laige multitude^ but many of them would neither 



MAitCH 1790.] REV. JOHN WESLET's JOURNAIi. 825 

•liear nor let others hear. Indeed they that sat in the gal« 
leries could hear well; but very few of them that were 
below. 

Wednesday 17, In the way to Tewksbury, at the earnest 
desire of Francb Porter, I called on him and his five 
daughters, all grown up, who are lately joined to that so- 
ciety. AH of whom are now in great earnest, and bid &ir 
to adorn the gospel of God our Saviour. I preached lit 
:Tewksbury about twelve ; but here also the^house would 
not contain the congregation. We went on to Worcester in 
the afternoon, and found much comfort among a well-esta- 
blished people. They have no jars now^ but all hold the 
Hnity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace. 

Thursday 18y We went on to Stourport, which is now 
fall twice as large as it was two years ago. The first chapel 
was built about three years ago, by the joint contributions 
of Arminians and Calvinists, agreeing that they should 
preach by turns : but, in a shoft time, the pt)dr Arminians 
;were locked out. On this, one or two gentlemen built 
another, fiur larger fmd more commodious.: but it was not 
large enough to contain them in the evening, to whom I ex- 
plained that solemn passage in the Revelation, I saw the 
deady small and greaty stand before God. They seemed to 
be all serious and attentive, as long as I was speaking": but 
the mmnent I ceased, four-score.or one hundred began talk- 
ing all at once. I. do not remember evef to have been pre- 
sent at such a scene before : this must be amended ; other- 
wise, if I should live, I will see Stourport no more. 

Friday 19, About eleven, coming to Quinton, I found a 
amgr^ation waiting for me: so, that I mig^ht not disap- 
point them, I preached immediately on We love him^ be*, 
cause he first loved iis: and then went on to Birmingham, 
which I tliink is thrice as large as when I saw it fifty ye^rs 
ago. 

The congregation in the evening was well squeezed to- 
gether, and most of them got in. Th^ behaviour of the rich 
and poor is such, as does honour to their profession, so de- 
cent, so serious, so devout, from the beginning to the endl 

VOL. VI. Q 



228 BEV. JOHN weslbt's joubnau [nAttiifA 1790. 

It was the same the next evening. Suaday Sl>, the prayen 
began at the new house about half an hour after ten. It is a 
little larger than the new house at Brompton^ and admirabl)^ 
well constructed : but several huiidrecls, I suppose^ could 
tiot get in : I think all who did, found that Grod was therei 
The great house, likewise, in the evenings was utterly insufr 
ficient to contain the congregation: btit Grod is able tv 
supply this want also ; and his time is best* 

l^onday S3, 1 went on to our old friends at Wednesbuiy, 
where the work of God greatly revives. Business has ezf 
ceedingly decreased, and most of them have left the town* 
60 much the more have the poor grown in grape^ and kid 
up treasure in heaven : but we were at a great loss in (he 
evening. I could not preach abroad aft^r sun-set^ and the 
house Would not nearly contain the people s however,, as 
many as possibly could, squeexed in : and their labour was 
not in vain. 

Tuesday 23, About one 7 preached in the new hduseit 
Dudley, one of the neatest in England. It was a piofita))le 
seascm, where two persons, they informed me^ found peaot 
with God. We had a pleasant ride to Wolteriiamptoii. 
This evening the rain began and continued aboat twenlj 
hours, after more than four and twenty weeks of (kir weather^ 
such a winter as I never saw before. 

A melancholy event fell out the day before. The mistress 
of the house adjoining, boiling some varnish, it iboikd. over, 
and took fire, which seized on her, and burnt her so, that 
her life is despaired of. The rain a little lesscMd our ccm^ 
gregaition, so that the bouse ccmtained ns tolerably wfeU. 
And many, ^en of the genteel bearers, seemed abaost.pei* 
suaded riot to' halt between two opinions. 

Wednesday 24, We rode to Maddey, throi%b a pleasaat 
raiji, which did not hinder the cbureh from being th6nkig]i« 
ly filled : and, I believe, all who had spiritual discemmeat 
perceived, that it was filled with the presence of God. 

Thursday 25, At nine I preached to a select congr^a* 
tion, on the deep things of God ; and in the evening, od 
Hthable to save unto the uttermost, all ihemVtmt come 



AJMkit 179d.J AMY. MUN ir£8trfi1^*S lOtSAHAt. Jttf 

Unto Gad through him. Friday 36, I fibisbed my sermon 
on ^e fFedSUng gdrmentr perhaps the last that I shatt 
unite. My eyes are now waxed dim* Mj natural force is 
abated i however, while I can, I would fitin.do a little fok 
Gody before I drop into thedndt. 

In the evening I preached: to a ctdwded audieiide at 
Salop, <m Acquaint thygetf $u^ wkh him^ and be at peace i 
but i was much ashanled for Aem. The moment I had done 
speaking, I suppose fifty of th^ were talking all at once« 
And no wonder, they had.neither ^enise nor good manners; 
fiK *^ Uiey were gentlefolks!^* 

Saturday S7, 1 preached in the evening to a sensible and 
Well behaved congregation^ at Newcastle^under-^Lyme i (ol>> 
serve, thajt is the name of the river which runs above the 
town.) Sunday 9&^\ preached soon aftet one, in Mr. Myat's 
yard, at Lane^-End : the house would not have contained a 
quarter of the people^ At Bursleai also I was obliged to 
preach abroad, such was the multitude of the people. 
Surely the people of this place are hi^ly fikvonredj Mercy 
embraces, th^m on. every side^ 

Monday ^Q^ At nine I pceadhed in .the New Chapel Ht 
("unstal, 4be n3ip$t elegant I have seen since 1 1^ Bath. My 
text wa9^ JLet uA go on unto perfecMoA; and the peofde 
seemed to. devour the word* In the evening I preti^hed Bi 
Congleton^ The Ministiery the Mayor, and all. the heads of 
the town were present : so, that I might 'not otershoot 
them, I preached on Psalm xc. 12 1 and, I believe, God 
applied it to their hearts. 

Tuf^day.SO, I went. on to Macclestield, and preached to 
a cmwded audience, both this and the fidlowiiig night. On 
Tbiwday moniing, one of my horses died.' I judged i% 
best to leave the otber^ till I could procure anothei*^ mSb 
iUlok.ii^t^chaiaes to l^tockport. A large congregation was 
keadyatsix in the evening. In the morning, on GooA*^ 
frideiy, we went on toCttdham. The new house would in 
ltf>.' wijse contain the congr^ation; but I {H^eached' to as 
nanjr:a6 > it . wouM icontavn, on; L Cor. vi. 19 ;' and lit Man» 
Chester in the evening, Saturday, Aprild^ I pteached ob. 

Q 8 



228 BEV. JOHN Wesley's journal, [apbil ITW. 

Heb. iv. 14. Easter-Day, 1 think we had about one thou- 
sand six hundred communicants. I preached, both morn- 
ing and evening, without weariness, and in the evening 
lay down in peace. 

Monday 5, Calling at Altringham, I was desired to speak 
a few words to the people in the New Chiqpd s bat almost 
as soon as I got thither, the house was filled, and soon afier 
more than fiUed : so I preached on 1 Peter i. 3, and many 
praised God with joyful lips. About twelve I preached in 
the ehapel at Northwich, to a large and very lively con- 
gregation : and in the evening met once more with our old 
affectionate friends at Chester. I have never seen this chapd 
more crowded than to-night; but still it could not nearly 
contain the congregation. Both this and the following even- 
ing I was greatly assisted to declare the power of Christ^s 
resurrection, and to exhort all that were risen with him, to 
set their affections on the things above. 

Here I met with (me of the most extraordinary pfaasnomena 
that I ever saw or heard of. Mr. Sellers has in his yard a 
large Newfoundland dog, and an old raven: these have 
fallen deeply in love with each other, and never desire to 
be apart. The bird has learned the bark of the dojg, so that 
few can distinguish them. She is inconsolable when he goes 
out, and if he stays out a day or two, she will get up all 
the bones and scraps she can, and hoard them up for him, 
till he comes back S 

. Wednesday 7, About eleven I preached at Warrington. 
The chapel was well filled with serious hearers : but the 
great congr^ation was at LiverpooL If those without were 
added to those within, I believe it would have exceeded 
even that at Manchester. And surely the power of CSod was 
• present with them also. 

Thursday 8, Such another congr^ation we had oo 
.Thursday, among whom were many that had never beat 
there before. They seemed utterly amased when I explain- 
ed, Now faith is the cvidemce of ihings unseem. I bdieve 
many were then convinced : but, alasl how sooq will that 
conv ctkm die awayl 



HKY 1790.] RBY. JOHN W£8LBY*8 JOURNAL. S89 

Friday 9y We went to Wigan, for many years prover- 
bially called Wicked Wigan : but it is not now what it 
was. The inhabitants in general have idken a softer mould. 
The house in the evening was more than filled, and all that 
could get in seemed to be greatly affected, while I strongly 
applied our Lord- s words, 1 tmlly be thau^lean ! Satur- 
day 10^' I crossed over to North wich, and in the evening 
preached in the lovdy house at Bolton, to one of the love- 
liest congregations in England, who, by patient continuance 
in well doing, have turned scorn and hatred into general 
esteem and g9od-wilL 

[Part of the manuscript having been lost, causes a chasm 
here.] 

Monday, May 23, We set out at four, and reached 
Forglen about noon : the face of the country is much chang- 
ed for the better since I was here before. Agriculture in- 
creases on every side : so do manufactories, industry, add 
cleanliness. 

But I found poor Lady B — , (one of the most amiable 
wpmen in the kingdom) exceedingly iU, and I doubt whether 
she will be much better till she remove to her own country.- 
I spent a very agreeable afternoon with the lovely family, 
and preached to a serious congregation in the evening; 
Tuesday S4, we returned to Aberdeen, and I took a solemn 
farewel of a crowded audiaice. If I should be permitted 
to see them again, well: if not, I have delivered my own 
floul. 

Wednesday 25, Taking the midland road, we spent an 
hour at Lawrence-Kirk, which, from an inconsiderable vil- 
lage, is, by the care and power of Lord Gardiston, soon 
sprung up into a pleasant, neat, and flourishing town. His 
lordship has also erected a little library here, adjoining to a 
handsome and well-furnished inn. The country from hence 
to Brechin is as pleasant as a garden : happy would Scot- 
land be if it had 'many such gentlemen and noblemen ! In 
the evening I began preaching at Brechin in the freemen's 
lodges but I was so faint and ill that I was obliged to 
aboiten my discourse. Thursday 26^ we went on through 



. 930 HEVt jQHir weilbt's joujutal. £/tfM 1790, 

Forfar (now a bandsome and almost a new UAm) and 'Gilpar, 
to Alucterander; here vef expected pxk acconittiodatibiui, 
but were agreeidbly drnpf^inted^ Food, beidbs, and e^v^ry 
ibing^else, w^e as iMst and clean as at Abted^en or £d!ii« 
burgh;. Friday 27, wetravielkd throagbjirddightftd^cbm* 
try, by Stirling and Kilsythe to Glasgow. Thb eongl«gtrtion 
was miserably steaU^ verify ti^ what I held often ^hfitfdbe- 
ifore^ ^^ That the Soots dearly loFe the wbrd bf-theliiocdU- 
PA the liord's day/' 

Monday 31,. We tet out at two,, and came.lo Motbi soon 
after three in the afternoon x taking freA bonei^ Hve reached 
Dumfries between six and seyeti^ and found the congfegav 
tion waiting: so, after a few minutes, I preached on Mark 
iii. 35, ^^ Whosoever doth the will of God, the .same fo iny 
brother, and sister, and mother/' «; . 

Tuesday, June.l, Mr. Mafthef hbd a good ctagkegatiiEm 
tit five. In the day I conversed with many of the tpeople, a 
candid, humane, well behaved people, unlike raoek !that' I 
iiave found in Scotland. , In the evening the Uouse'whs'fiBed, 
and truly God preached to their h^rts. Stirely GodivSl 
have a considerable people here. 

. Wednesday 3, We set out early, and reached OxifisI^ 
about noon ; the work a little increases here: A small |iahd4 
ful of people stand firm, and tbdse that opposed iiins'&ioteti 
to pieces. Our house would not nearly i6ontain'tbe toigcev 
gation, and the word of God was with powtsr. ' » 

Thursday 4, We rode to Hexham, through one of the 
pleasantest countries that I have lately scen^ l%e road lay 
(from Haisle) on the side of a fruitful mounlaipi^ shaded 
with trees, and sloping down to a clear river, which ran he^ 
tweeu ours and another fruitflil mcmntaih, well wooded and 
improved, At Hexham they have lately built a cburv^nient 
preaching-house: but it is tob imall aliready^ Here is a 
loving people, much alive to God, and consequently iiH 
pteasing daily, Friday 5, we reached Newcastle t m this, 
and Kings wood -house, were I to do my own 'Ji^ilf , I should 
phoiose to spend the short remainder of my days k but it cdn-; 
|ipt \>e; (his i^ not m^ ire^t' This ^ndthip «x(i eyeiiiDg'W^ 



JUNE 1790.] AE¥. JOHN WBSLEr'g JOUBNAU . S91 

bad a numeroiu congregation : and the people seemed mucli 
alive* 

Sunday 7, I i¥as invited to preach in Lemsley church, on 
the side of Gateshead«-Pell : but some hours after the mi« 
lister cbl^lged his mind : so I preached in our own preach- 
ing-house, which contained the greater part of the congre« 
galion tolerably well; among whom were Sir Henry Lyddi^ 
and his lady, with a great number of his servants^ The 
chapel was hot as a stove ; but neither high nor low seemed 
to regard it; for God wa& there! The OrfAan-House was 
equally crowded in ti>e evening; but the Tain would not 
suffer me to preach abroad. 

Monday 8j I transcribed the statiohs of the preacheiB^ 
Tuesday 9, I wrote a form for settling the pteaching-honscs, 
without any superfluous words, which shall be used for th^ 
time to come verbatim, for all the houses to which I c€Aitri« 
bute any thing. I will no more encourage that viUainpils 
tautology of lawyers, which is the scandal of oitr plttion; In 
the evening I preached to the children of our Sunday- 
School; six or seven l^undred of whom were present. 
. N. B. None of our masters or mistr^ses teach for paj^; 
they seek a reward that man cannot giye. ' 

Wednesday 10, Having dispatohed<dl tl^tbusmess i bad 
to do here, in the evening I took at sole^nn leave of this love* 
ly people, perhaps never to see them xnwe ia tfaia U&y and 
set out early in the morning, Thursday 10. ^ AboutiiiDta: I 
preached at Wolsingham in a house thoroughly fiiied, on 
Jsaiah xxxv. 8 ; ' and in the evening in Weardale, which 
hardly contained the congregation. Tbit same spirit was 
still in the congregation that has been for mvay years. And 
many felt, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it c^mnot 
save, nor his ear heavy that it cannothear. 
, Flriday 11, About seven I preached at' Staqhope;. but no 
bouse would contain, the congregation. S6 I stood in a 
broad place near the church, -and enforced j If a»y man 
thirsiy let him come unto me and drink. la :gdbg through 
Wolsingham we called at Mr. W.'s,, who was in tow oir" 
eumstaaees, till a few yeaioi ago, wlite'tianj^lUiiasaQdsiwere 



233 BBV. JOHN Wesley's joubnal. [juhb 1790. 

keaped npon him tmawares : and yet he seems to walk on- 
hurt in fire ! What is too hard for God ? 

Hence we went on to Durham. Here likewise I was 
obliged to preach in the open air, to a multitude of pec^ik, 
all of whom were serious and attentive. Saturday 12, we 
wmt through a lovely country to Sundedim^y where I 
preached in the evening to a numerous coi^rcgation. Sun- 
day 13, in the morning I preached a charity-sormoa in 
Monk-Wearmouth church, for the Sunday-Schocrf, which 
has already cleared the streets of all the children that used 
to play there on a Sunday, from nunming to evenings I 
preached at five near the Pens to several thousands of peo* 
pie. Here, it is plain, our labour has not been in vain. 

Monday 14, In the ev^iing I preached to as many as the 
town-hall would contain at Hartlepool. Tuesday 15, I 
received a farther account of Mrs. B., from two Uiat had 
lived wRh her a year and a quarter: and was thoroughly 
convinced, that she is a woman of strong sense, and livdy 
imagination; but that she is given up to a strong delusion^ 
(whether natural or diabolical, I know not) to believe a lie. 
One proof may suffice. Some time since, she told the OMn- 
munity, as from God, that the day of judgment would be-- 
gin that evening. But how could she come ofi*, when l^e 
event did not answer? Easily enough. *^ Moses," said she, 
'^ could not see the face of God till he had fiisted forty days 
and forty nights t we must all do the same." So, for three 
wedu they took no sustenance, but three gills-of water per 
day : and three weeks more they took eadi three gills of 
water-gruel per^ day. What a mtrcy that half of them did 
not -die in making the experiment ! 

About noon I preached abroad to a large congregation, 
and in the afternoon went on to Stockton. The coi^regation 
was, at least, double to that at Hartlepool, all of whom 
seemed to feel .that God was there. Wednesday 16, I 
preached in the main street at Yarm, to a dull, attentive 
people. Thursday 17, about noon I preached at Potto, to 
a^e^y serious congregation, and to another such in the 
evening at Hutton^Budby. Twenty years this society was a 



JUNB 1790.] RBV; JOHN WESLBT's JOUBl^AL. 233 

pattern to all the country for seriousness and deep devotion. 
I think seventeen of them were perfected in' love : but only 
three of them remain, and most of the rest are either re- 
moved or grown cold and dead. 

Friday 18^^ preached at Stok^ley in the morning, and 
th^i went on to Whitby. It was very providential, that 
part of the adjoining mountain fell down, and demolished 
our old preaching-house with many houses besides, by 
which means we have one of the most beautiful 'chapels in 
Great-Britain, finely situated on the steep side of the nioun- 
tain. At six it was pretty well fiHed, with such a congr^« 
tion of plain, earnest people as is not ofi^i seen. I con- 
versed with many of them the next day, who were much 
alive to Grod. Sunday SO, the house contained us at sevea 
tolerably well. The church likewise was well filled : but 
in the evening we were much straitened for room, but as 
many as could hear, stood on thepavement without. In all 
England I have not yet seen a more afiectionate people than 
those at Whitby. 

Monday SI, Being importuned by our friends at Malton. 
to call there, (it being but about thirty miles out of the 
way,) I set out early to prevent the heat of the day. Call* 
ing at Pickering, some of the socie^ soon found me out, 
with whom ( went to the preaching-house, which was fulT 
enough in a few minutes time : so was the house at Maltoii 
in the evening, where I found the society more' loving and 
united together than they had been for many years. 

Tuesday S3, I crossed over to Scarborough. The con- 
gregation in the evening was unusually small,' being not 
yet recovered from the blessed fruits of the election. This 
was the hottest day we have had this year ; and about one 
in the afternoon, the thunder, which had long laid at a dis- 
tance, came near, with thick flashes of lightning and impe- 
tuous rain. The thunder continued in one roll, for an 
hour and a quarter. I never heard the like before since my 
return from America. Thursday SI, the Dissenting Minister 
offering me the use of his chapel in Bridlington, twice sJt 
large as our own, (the wind being too high for me to stand 



SSI: BIT. JOHN WSSJUEY;^ JOUBNAL. [JWNB 1799w 

abroad) I wilHngly accepted bis ofier. Friday 25, about 
noen I preached at Bereriey, lo a serious welUbehaved don«^ 
gregaiioD ; and in the evening to one eqnaUy serious, and fiut 
more numerous, at Hull. 

.Satnrday S69 Was a day of satisfaction, ^.pteachtd at 
irren in the morning, and at sik: in the et^ning^ to as maigi 
^.ouff house could cmitain, the ground being too wet for the 
congregation to stand sdNfoad. 

[It may not be improper here to inform the reader, that 
about this time some of the preachers and societies wm 
harrassed by justices of the peaee, under a pcetence en.tire« 
ly ne^. The Methodists liirere told, '^ You pr^fiw your* 
aelres members of the Ohurch of England ; therefore yonr 
licenses are good for nothing, nor can ^oa, as members t[ 
the church, receive any benefit from the Act of ToleratioB.'' 
In vain did those who applied for licenses plead that Utey 
only desired to defend themselves against the violent of 
ungodly and lawless loen, and to avoid the penalties of an 
act which perhaps was made to prevent seditious meetifu^s, 
but, in reality, forbids religious assemblies of every tjescrip* 
tion, except in the churches of the establishipejit* The an« 
swer was short : ^^ You shall have no licenses unlfss you de- 
clare yourselves Dissenters/' Some, who considered that 
the holding meetings for pirayer or preaching, ; without. th^ 
audiority of the Diocesan, was, in fact, a kind of dissent, 
declared their willingness (though others refused this con« 
cession,) to be called Dissenters in the certifietUe* But nei^ 
ther did this, avail them. They were told, ^^ You must not 
only profess yourselves Dissenters : you must decl9,re, that 
you scruple to attend the servic^e or sacntments of the 
Church, or we can grant you ho cdief : for the acl in ques* 
tion was made only for those who have these scmples." In 
various places both [^acbers and people were thus treated. 
Some appealed 'to the Quanter-sessions ; but no rdiief could 
be obtained : they had no HcemCf and therefi^re the law, as 
^us interpristed, shewed them na mercy,. 

Mt. Wesley saw fliis evil with a degree of paiin which 
he had seldom experienced. He perceived whereto U ieodf 



JUNE 1790.] IKEV. JOHN WSBLET's XOUIUIAIm SSS 

ed, end thaEt if petbistod ii^, it would oUige him-fo gije tip 
the work in which he had bten engaged, and *which he be^ 
lieyed to be the wof^ of God ; oir to separate froM t6e 
Established Church. He loved and reverenced the Kin^, 
«lnd aH Wh^JiNwe in atlthority under him : but he' coiild not 
behold thiff 'ihasterpieoe of wisdcnn from beneafh>' without 
d^testatioii, 'igst^niingii his' duty to expostulate wiil^ those 
who wore most zealous in thid wc^k, he this cbty wttHe die 
fojiowii^ lettei:^ to a prelate, in wbosp diocese thigr kind Hi£ 
persecution moit abounded, ' 
^^ My Lord, 

^^ It may seeiii Btranfge, that one who is not acquainted with 
^UT lordship, should trouble you with a letter : but I am 
consthuned to do it ; I believe it is my duty both to God 
and your lordship. And I must speak plathly ; having no* 
thing to hope or fear in' this world, which I ^m on the point 
of leaving. ' . 

^* The Methodists, in general, mylord, aie members of th^ 
Oburch of England. Tbeyhold all her doctrines, attend 
her servSee, and partake of her sacraments. Tliey do n^t 
willingly do barm to any one, but do whait goad they 'Oan io 
all. To encouiageieach other faefein, they(^t}dqu^ntly*0p^^ 
anhottf together .in 'prayer and ;|diitual exhoiriatibb. ^Fev* 
tiiit'me then to ask, *€hti lumoP For 'what reagonat^ end 
Wo«ild yourlbrd^p dHvetbeie pcfoipfe out of' the Chutch I 
Are they iwdtusquiet^ as inoffi^sive^ nay, as ']^ioas, as^nj 
of their neighboms ? Estcept, ^rbaps, here • and 'tti^ie, a 
hair- brained man, who knows not what he is about* Do 
you ask, ^ Whb drives them out of the church ?' Your 
lordship does : and that in the most cruel manner. They 
desire aiieehse to wbrshtp God after tbeir own conscience : 
your lordship refuses it ; aild then pnniihes them for not 
having a license ! So your lordship leaves them oniy this 
filtemative : ^ Leave the Church, or starve.' And is it a 
Christian, yea, a Protestant Bishop,' that so persecutes his 
0wn fibck ? I say, petfsei^utes : for it is per^secution to all 
intents and purposes. You do not burn them indeed, but 
you starve them : and h^w sPliaU is the difference { And 



296 ABY. JOHN Wesley's joubhaim f jvitb 1790. 

your lordship does this under colour at a Yile, execrabk 
law, not a whit better than that, de HtereUeo eamburendo!* 
So persecutiou, which is banished out oi JF^ranecy is agaii 
countenanced in England! 

<< O my lord, for God's sake, for Christ's MhB| for pity's 
sake, sufier the poor people to enjoy their id^tons as wdl 
as ciYil liberty ! I am on the brink of eternity ! Perhaps 
so is your lordship too ! How soon may you also be called 
to giYC an account of your stewardship, to the great Shep- 
herd and Bishop of our souls ! May he enable both yom 
and me to do it with joy ! So prays, 

« My lorf, 
<^ Your lordship's dutifiil son and senrant, 

« JOHN WESLEY. 

« HuU, June 26, 1790." 

About the same time he stated the case tiius to a friend, 
through whose influence with those in power, he hoped re« 
dress might be obtained. ^^ Last month a few poor people 
met together in Lincolnshire, to pray, and to praise God, 
in a friend's house : there was no preaching at aU. Two 
neighbouring justices fined the man of the house twenty 
pounds. I suppose he was not worth twenty shillings. 
Upon this, his household goods were distrained, and sold to 
pay the fine. He applied to the Quarter-sessions : but all 
the justices aYerred, ^ The Methodists could haYe no rdief 
from the Act of Tolerationy because they went to church ; 
and that, so long as they did so, the Confoentiele Act should 
be executed upon them.' 

^^ Last Sunday, when one of our preachers was beginning 
to speak to a quiet congregation, a neighbouring justice sent 
a constable to seize him, though he was licensed : and would 
not release him till he had paid twenty pounds ; telling him 
his license was good for nothing, because he was a church- 
man! 

^^ Now, Sir, what can the Methodists do ? They are liable 
to be ruined by the Conventicle Act, and they haYe no relief 



Concerning the borning of Hereticks. 



JUNJS 1790.] BEV. JOHN WESLBT's JOUBNAL. 237 

from the Act of Toleration ! If tbis is not oppression, vhat 
is ? Where then is English liberty ? The liberty of Christ- 
iansy yea, of every rational creature ? who, as such, has a 
right to worship. God according to his own conscience. 
But, waviiw the question of right and wrong, what pru- 
dence is thm in oppressing such a body of loyal subjects ? 
If these good magistrates could drive them, not only out of 
Somersetshire, but out of England, who would be gainers 
thereby ? Not his Majesty, whom we honour and love: not 
his ministers, whom we love and serve for his sake. Do they 
wish to throw away so many thousands of friends, who are 
now bound to them by stronger ties than that of interest ? 
' If you will speak a word to Mr. Pitt on that head, you will 
oblige me,'* &c. 

The paper from which the above is taken is only a copy t 
and there is some doubt, whether Somersetshire be not in- 
serted for Lincolnshire, before mentioned in the same paper. 
However this may be, Mr. Wesley wrote to the Bishop of 

the following letter a few months before the above was 

written. 

"My Lord, 
^M am a dying man, having already one foot in the 
grave. Humanly speaking, I cannot long creep upon the 
earth, l^ing now niprer ninety than eighty years of age. 
But I cannot die in peace, before I have discharged this 
office of Christian love to your lordship. I write without 
ceremony, as neither hoping nor fearing any thing from 
your lordship, or from any man living. Aiid I ask,, in the 
name and in the presence of him to whom both you and I 
are shortly to give an account. Why do you trouble those 
that are quiet in the land? those that fear God and yroA 
righteousness ? Does your lordship know what the Metho- 
dists are ? That many thousands of them are zealous mem- 
bers of the Church of England ? and strongly attached, not 
only to his Majesty, but also to his present ministry ? Why 
should your lordship, setting religion out of the question^ 
throw away such a body of respfsctable friends ? Is it fiir . 
their religious sentiment* ? Alas, my lord, is this a time to 



pei;si9cate a man for coiiscienoe' sake? i beseech yoa, my 

lord, do as jou "Vfould be done to. Yoa are a man of seaae i 

joii are a man of learning : nay, I verily bdlicfve (what is 

of infinitely more value) you are a man of piety. Then 

tbio}^, and let think. I pray Grod to bleat jm. with the 

choicest of his blessings. W 

" I am^ my lord," 4c.] 

Monday 38, This day I ent^r into my eighty*eightll year« 
For above eighty-six years I found none of the indrmities 
of old ^, my eyes did not wax dim, neither was my natm^ 
ral strength abated : but last August I found almiost a suddeo 
change, my eyes were so dim that no glasses would help 
me: my strength likewise now quite fcursook me, and prof 
bably will not return in this world : but I feel no pain from 
head) to foot, only, it seems, nature is exhausted^ aad^ hu-« 
maldy speaking, will sink more and more, till 

** The weary springs of life stand still at last."* 

Tuesday 29, I crossed over through Epworth to-Owston^ 
and passed a comfortable day with many of the preachers. 
This, which was one of the last societies in the circuit, is 
now become first, in grace as well as number. The new 
preaching-house not being able to contain one half of the 
congre;gation, I preached abroad in the^^alm, mild evenings 
and I believe God applied his word to many hearts. 

Thursday, July 1, 1 went to Lincoln. After dinner we 
took a walk in and round the Minster, which I really think 
is more elegant than that at York, in various parts of the 



<>»#vis<»^#»#y>#.»^*»#»i»<> 



• « This, at len^, was Uf^raHy the^ case 9 the detfth of Mr.'pfetbtf, \lk6 
that of Charies^ being op^ of those nMreiipstaii^es in whi<;l| npUiire^ df^ofjfl^ 
under the load of years,, sinks by a gentle decay. Fpf several yesirs pf ^. 
ceding his death, this decay was, perhaps, more visible to pthers than to 
bimselff ; particnlarly by a more frequent' disposition to steep -during the 
4ay ; by a growing defedk-in mflmory^ a faculty be on^e possesMd in a higkl 
dfgree of perfection ; and by aj^p^al diminution of the vigpfr,aiid,agl-i 
lity.he had so long enjoyed. His .labours, however, suffered .litUe.interfiip-; 
tion, and when the summons came, it found him^ as he always wished it 
Ibould, in the Aomess^ still oecuplctf in his Master's work ! " 



striictt»«9.'d6 well as in its admirable situation. The neftr 
liotise i¥as thorougbly filled in the eveoiiig, and with hearei^ 
i\ncommon1y serioiis^ There seems toibe a remarkable 4ir» 
ference between the people of Lincoln and those of York* 
They hav^ot so much fire and vigour of spirit, ^but far 
more mildMb. land gentleness, by means od which, if they 
had the same outward helps, they would probably excel 
their neighbours. 

Some miles short. of Lincoln, our post«*boy. stopped at ap 
inn On the road^ to give his horses a little watec As sooaas 
we went in, thcf inn-keeper burst into tears, as -did bis wife^ 
wringing hei:>bands and weeping bitterly. "What^" he 
saidj ^^ are you come into my house ? My father is John 
Lester of EpWOrtb." I found both he and his wife had 
been members, of our society. We spent some time ia 
prayer together, and, I trust, -not in vain. 

Friday 2, About eleven I preached at Newton s but the 
preaching-house would not contain half the congregation. 
No rain fell during the time of preaching, but it rained both 
before and after. 1 was struck with the preaching-house at 
Gainsborough : (cme of the handsomest towns in Lincolnshire) 
so neat, so elegant, just taking up one side of a ^mall neat 
square. I found uncommon liberty of speech, and received 
it as a token for go€|L Surely this poor soeiety which has 
be^ so miserably oq^ressed, will again lift ap its hsead. 
Saturday 3, 1 reached Ep worth, and after preaching in the 
evening met the society, and reminded them of what they 
were some years ago, and what they are now ; scarcely re« 
tainhig the shadow of their former ;zeal and activity in all 
the ways of God. 

. Sunday 4, I went over to Misterton, where likewise t|^e 
Wevk of God was exceedingly decayed. The house being 
fiur.toa small to contain the. multitude of people, I 9tood 
iMidtr, a !spreadi9g tree, .Imd strongly exhorted tli^m? t^ 
strengthen the things 'that remained j which were rendy to 
die. Thence I hastened b^obi to £pWofth, but I could not 
teach it till the cbnrch s^vice was beguu. It;W(is.ob$erved» 
MikiGibara read the pttyers with unsusualsc^teninity. And, 
I/beKeve, he was not displeased to isee five times as man^iat 



* I 



S40 REV. JOHX Wesley's jouanaIi. [avg. 1790. 

chuTcb, and ten times as many at the Lord's table, as usual. 
As soon as the afternoon service ended, I began in the mar- 
ket-place to press that awful question, How shM we escape^ 
if we neglect so great salvation ? on such acongr^ation as 
was never seen at Epworth before. ^ 

[Here again there is a chasm in the narratiwpfhrongh a 
part of the manuscript having been lost, j ■ 

Friday, Aug. S7, I returned to Bristol. In the evening, 
and at the watch-night, the house was well filled. Finding 
the account of Mrs. Scudamore's life and death (an excellent 
woman, though mistaken in this point) has revived in some, 
the imagination of the expiatory nature of sufierings, and 
thence the absolute necessity of them in order to salvation, 
I discussed the subject at large, and shewed that both these 
notions had their rise in popery, and that neither the one 
nor the other of them had any foundation in Scripture. 

Sunday S9, Mr. Baddiley being gone to the North, and 
Mr. Collins being engaged elsewhere, I had none to assist 
me in the service, and I could not read all the prayers my- 
self : so I was obliged to shorten the service, which brought 
the prayers, sermon, and the Lord's-Supper, within the com- 
pass of three hours. I preached in the afternoon near 
King's-square ; and the hearts of the people bowed down 
before the Lord. A 

Monday 30, About noon I preached ait Castlecary. Since 
I was here God has taken to himself that amiable woman, 
Mrs. Clarke, who, to a fine person, and a good und^^tand- 
ing, joined a very uncommon degree of deep religion. This 
inclined me to apply earnestly, Eccles. ix. 10, and all the 
people seemed to feel it. Afterwards I called on her deq[>ly« 
afflicted husband, who spent some hours with- us the next 
day. I hope he will no longer sorrow as ope without hope; 
but will trust to meet her in a better place. In the evening 
I preached in the new house at Ditchet. It would not- bold 
the congregation, but many could hear at the windows, 
which they seemed right willing to do. A flame appears to 
be kindled here already. God grant it may continue and 
increase! Tuesday 31, William Kingston, the man bcHm 
without arms, came to see me of his own accord. Som^ 



time since he ireceived a clear sense of the fa^oar ' of God : 
but, after some months, be was persuaded by^some of his old i 
companions to join in* a fitvourite diversion, whereby ht lost 
sight of Grod, and gave up all he had 'gained : but now- God 
touched hislieart again, and he is once more in earnest to 
save his soul. He is of a middling height and size, has a 
pleasing look and voice, and an easy, agreeable. behaviour. 
At breakfast he shook oflp his shoes, which are made on pur* 
pose, took the tea-cup between his toes, and the toast with 
his other foot. He likewise Writes a fair hand, and does 
most things with his feet which we do with our hands* 
About noon I preached to a lovely congregation at Shepton- 
Mallet, and in the evening at Pensford. The house was 
crowded with earnest hearers, and, I tru$t, the woid did noti^ 
fall to the ground. 

Wednesday, September 1, I returned to Bristol: and it . 
being the first day of the fair, I spoke strongly from the 
words of Solomon, Buy the truths and sell it not. In the 
two following days I corrected and abridged the account of 
that excellent woman, MrSi Scuddamore t a burning and- 
shining light, till the mystics persuaded her to put her light 
under a bushel ; so that, for above two years, she renounced 
all conversation with even her pious friends ! Hpw ddes this 
agree with Scriptuni? <^ All my delight is in the saints Uiat 
are on the earlh, and with them that excel in virtue ! " 
How far was the experience of Jane Cooper, or Elizabeth 
Harper, preferable to that of such a solitary ! 

Saturday 4, 1 went on to Bath, and preached in the even- 
ing to a serious but small congregation, for want of notice. 
Sundays, at ten we had a numerous congregation, and 
more communicants than ever I saw here before. This day 
1 cut off that vile custom, I know not when or how it be- 
gan, of preaching three times by the same preacher to the 
sama congregation : enough to weary out both the body 
and mind of the speaker, as well as his hearers. Surely 
^rod is! returning to this society ! They are now in earnest 
to make their calling and election sure. 
. Moodily 6^ Thi3 : evening the congi^ation was almod^ as 

VOL. VI. R 



8(8 Kisv. JOHN WBSLBT^f JoumNAif [bbvt* 1790. 

lai]ge as it wm the n^ht bdbre : add the power of God was 
mightily preaent : and so it was oo Tuesday and Wednet- 
day eTepiog at Bristol. Thursday 9, 1 read oyer the experi- 
efice of Joseph Honiphreys, the first lay preacher that as^ 
sisted me in England, in the year 1738. Fitaa his own 
mouth I learn that he was perfected in Iotc, ladi ao coa^ 
tinned for at least a twelye-month. Afterwards he tonsed. 
Calvimst, joined Mr. Whitefidd, and published aai invea' 
tiye against my brother and me in the newqiaper. In a 
while he renounced Mr. Whitefieldy and was otdained a 
Presbyterian minister : at last he received episcopal oidhMi^ 
tion. He then scoffed at inward religion, and when seinind* 
ed of his own experience, replied, ^^ That was one of the 
ftcdish things which I wrote in the time of my madness 1'' 

Friday 10, I preached to a large congregation at Chew-^. 
Stoke, nine mUes firom Bristol, on those words in the aecond 
lesson. Come unio iTie, all ye tked are weary and htamf 
laden : and in the ey<niing at Mrs. Griffith's house. 

Sunday 12, 1 int^ided to preach abroad; but the weather 
would not permit. Monday 13, and the three foUowing 
days, I met the classes of the society, which contains nine 
hundred and forty-four members. 

Thursday 16, 1 was desired to see a monster, properly 
speaking. He was tts large as the larg(U lion in the tower, 
but covered with rough hair of a brown colour, has the 
head of a swine, and feet like a mole. It is plain to me, it 
was begotten between a bear and a wild boar. He lives on 
fruit and bread, chiefly the latter. The keeper handles him 
as he pleases, putting his hand in his mouth, and taking 
hold of his tongue : but he has a horrible roar, between that 
of a lioa and of a bull. 

At the same time I saw a pelican. Is it not strange that 
we have no true account or picture of this bird ! It is one 
of the most beautiful in nature, being mdeed a huge swany 
almost twice as big as a tame one ; snow white and elegant* 
ly shaped : only its neck is three quarters of a yard long^ 
and capable of being so distended as to contain two gallona 
of liquid or soUd : she builds her nest in come wood^ Mifiur 



SSPT. 1790.] BEV. JOHN W£SLBT*8 SOVMVAh. 



MS 



m 



firom a river, from which she doily brings a qnantity of fish 
to her young : these she carries in her neck, (the only 
pound which she has) and then divides them among her 
young t and hence is fabricated the idle tale of her feeding 
them with her blood. 

Friday 17, I went over to Thombury, and preached at 
■ocm to a very large and deeply serious congregation. In 
the evening we had a scdemn watch-nigbt at Kingswood. 
Saturday 18, 1 called upcm Mr. Easterbrook, ill of a disor- 
der which no physician understancb, mid which, it seems^ 
God alone can cure. He is a pattern to all Bristol, and in^ 
deed to all Ei^land, having (beside his other incessant la- 
bours, which never were intermitted) preached in everjjr 
house in his parish ! It was while he was preaching in h\ 
own church, that he was suddenly struc^k with a viol< 
pain in his breast. This eonfoundti all the physicians, and 
none of their medicines can alter it. 

Sunday 19, Mr. Collins assisted me in the morning, so 1 
had an easy day's work. M<mday 90, and the next day, I 
read over the King of Sweden's Tract upon the balance of 
power in Europe. If it be really his, he is certainly one of 
the most sensible, as well as one of the bravest princes in 
Europe. And if his account be true, what a woman is the 
Czarina ! But still God is over all ! 

Wednesday S9, 1 preached once more in Temple church, 
on All things are possible to him that believeth. Satur* 
day 85, Mr. Hey, the Presbyterian Minister of Casfle-green 
meeting, came to desire me to let him have the use of our 
preaching-house on Sundays, at those hours when we. did 
not use it ourselves, (near ten in the morning and two in the 
afternoon) while his bouse was re-building. To this I wil* 
lingly consented, and he preached aea excellent sermon thffitt 
the next day at two. I preached at five in the evening to 
more than the house would well contain. 

Monday 27, 1 left Bristol ; about eleven I preached in the 
Devises, and in the evening at Sarum. I do not know that 
ever I saw tiie house so crowded before, with high and low, 
riohandpoor: so that I hope wcshaUagainaee fruit here abo. 

RS 



Sit BEY. 40HN W£8LBY*8 JOCUMAJL. [OOf. 1789. 

Wednesday 29, About noon I pteacfaed at Winfon: tbe 
Gongr^ation was larger than usual ; and what was stranger 
still, seemed not a little affected! How long have we cut 
our bread upon the waters heref And shall we find it agaia 
after many days ? In the evening I preached to a crowded 
and deeply attentive congregation at PortsmoatbiGaiBiMn. 

Thursday dO, It being a lovely morning, we weaft ia a 
whenry, through Cowe's harbour, to Newport, one of the 
pleasantest, neatest, and most degant towns in the king's 
dominions* Both the nights I preached here, the pieadbiif • 
house would by no means contain the oongrq;atioii. I was 
likewise well pleased with the poor, plain, artless societjr* ' 
Here at least, we have not lost our labour. 

Friday, October 1, We purposed returning to Porti- 
BMMith (about twenty miles, it being a calm, snnshiay 
nMMming) in the wherry we came in ; but a friend oiEsrii^ as 
a kind of hoy, we willingly accepted his ofier. It was wcD 
he did ; for, as soon as we were out of the harbour, the wind 
rose, and the sea ragod horribly. The wherry would sooa 
have been swallowed up: the waves washed over us oa 
both sides. Having no decks, we were well soaked fioon 
hend to foot; but, before noon, we got safe to Ports* 
mouth. 

Saturday 2, Setting out as usual, at two, we came to 
Cobham, between ten and eleven, and found a party of <Nur 
friends from London ready to receive us. We walked aa 
hour in the gardens; but the inn-keeper informed us, 
^^ Strangers were not admitted unless on Tuesday and Fri- 
day." However, hearing Mr. Hopkins was ai hoasc^ I 
sent in my name, and desired thai fiivour, which was issme- 
diatdy granted. We spent an hour very agreeably hkthoae 
lovdy walks; but still the eye was not satisfied with see* 
lag. The soul of an immortal qptrit can be satisfied with 
nothing but seeing Grod. In the afieraoon we went on to 
London. 

Sunday S, Was indeed a coosfoitable day. I pn^Atd 
at the New Chapel, morning and evening, with gieatcsH 
hu^SCttenl of spirit. At the love4dist which followed, gfeai 



OCT. 1790.] KEV. JOHN WBSLBY's JOCTRKAL. 845 

was our rejoicing; man j declared what God had done for 
their souls : and many were filled with consolation. 

Having answered my letters, and finished my oth^r little 
business for the present, on Tuesday the 5th I went to Rye. 
Though the warning was short, the congregation was ext 
ceedingly large, and behaved with remarkable seriousness. 
White our people mixed with the Calvinists here, we were 
always perplexed, and gained no ground: but since they 
kept to themselves they Imve continually increased io grace 
as well as in number. I was now informed, how signally 
God had overtaken that wretch who murdered Mr. Had- 
dock some years since. Being lately overtaken by Captain 
Bray, in one of the King's cutters, he made a desperate re* 
sistance. And even when' boarded, foughit- still, and dre!^ 
a pistol at Captain Bray, who ihtn hqwed him' in pi^sceft 
with his cutlass. 

< Thursday 7, I went over to that poor skeleton of tocient 
Winchelsea. It is beautifully situated on the top of a steep 
bill, and was regularly built in broad streets crossing each 
other, and encompassing a very large. square, in tUe niidsfr 
of which was a large church, now in ruins. I stood andeiir 
a large tree, ohv the -side of it, and called to mo^ ofUbt 
inhabitants of the town, The kingdom of heaven i!^ ai 
handt repent^ and believe the gospel. It seemed, as^tf all 
that heard, were, for the present, almost persuaded to be 
Christians. 

Hare an eminently pious woman, Mrs. Jones, at whose 
bouse I stopped, gave me a very strange account. Many 
years since she was much hurt in lying-in. She had various 
physicians^ but still grew worse and worse, till percei^ving 
herself to be no better, she left them off. She had ao(m« 
tinual pain in her groin, with such a prolapsis uteris as 
soon confined her to her bed : there she lay two months^ 
helpless and hopeless ; till a thought came one day into her 
mxmSi^^Lordy ifthoumlt^ tJiou canst make me whole. Be 
ii according to thy wilt! Immediatdiy the pain and the dis- 
order ceased : feeling herself well, she rose and dressed her- 
self. Her husband coming in, and seeing her in tears, 



fM RBV. JOBN WBtLBT'8 JOmilf AL. [oCT. 17§0. 

•flked) ^^ Are tboae tears of serious joy ?*' She said, <' Of 
joy!'' On which they wepi together. From that hovr she 
has felt no pain, but enjoyed perfect health. I think our 
hosd never wrought a plainer nuiade, even in tile days of 
his flesh. 

In the evening I preach^ Moe move at Rye ; and the 
word did not fall to the ground. ■ In the morning we leH this 
loving well-united people, and dined at Sevenoaka. Afiei 
dinner we spent an hour in the Duke of JDorset's house. I 
could not but observe some change for the worse here. The 
silk covers are removed from several of the pictores, paiti« 
fsularly that of C!ount Agalino and his. sons. And it is placed 
in a worse light ; so that I could hardly discern the litlk 
|[^y, that, when he saw bis father gnawing his own arm, (at 
inguish^ cried out, <^ Papa, if you are happy, do not 
eat your own arm, but mine.*' The preaching4ioitte wss 
filled in the evening with people, and with the {Meescnce of 

Ckid, 

Sunday 9, We letumed to London. Monday 11, 1 went 
on (9 CokheMer, and still found matter of humiliation* 
The society was lessoned and coU enough. Fraadiing. again 
was discontinued, and the spirit of Methodism quite gone^ 
both.from the pieachers and the pec^e; yet we had a won* 
derfiil congrc^^on in the evening, rich and poor, ckigy 
and bity. So we had likewise on Tuesday evening. So 
that I trust Grod will, at length, build up the waste phoes. 

Wednesday 13, We set out early, hot kmnd no horses 
at Cobdock, so that we were obliged to go round by Ips- 
wich, and wait there half an hour. Nevertheless, we got 
to Norwich between two and three. In the way we lead 
CSapt. Carrel's Travds, admirably well written, and giving, 
I bdieve, a just account of the interior parts of North Ame- 
rica* Here is no gay account of the Islands of Fdew or 
Lapita, but a plain relation of matter of fact* Snrdy, 
Eastern and Western savages are much alike. And some 
good might be found in the East as well as the Weal. B^ 
to are nature in perfectioii, other at Fdew or elsewhere, 
vio need only look €tt the savagn at FoitWilliafla Hcniy^ 



^CT. 1790.] ABV. JOHN W«0LBY's JOVRVAh. M7 

tiotcheriog in cold Uood so many hundreds of lielpless, un- 
vesisting mexky in the very spirit of the old murd^i^. 

In the evening I preached at Norwich : but the house 
would in no wise contain the congregation. How wonder- 
fully is the tide turned ! I am become an honourable man 
•t NcMwtch. God has, at length, made our enemies to be at 
peace with us, and scarcely any but Antinomtans opea their 
mouths against us. 

Thursday 14, I went to Yarmouth, and at length found 
a society in peace, and nmch united together. In flie even- 
ing the congr^ation was too large to get into the preaching- 
iiouse; yet (hey were far less noisy than usual. After supper 
a little company went to prayer, and the power of God fell 
upon us; especially when a young woman broke out i|^ 
prayer, to the surprise and comfort of us all. Friday w^ 
i went to Lowestoffis, to a steady, loving, well«united so- 
ciety. The more strange it is, that they neither increase or 
decrease in number. 

Saturday 16, I preached at Loddon about one, and at six 
preached in Norwich. Sun. 17, at seven I administered lh« 
liord's-Supper to about one hundred and fifty persons, 
nearly twice as many as we had last year:. I take knowledge, 
that the last year's jHreachers were in earnest. AJftenwards 
we went to our own parish church, although thesre was no 
sermon there, nor at any of the thirty-six churches in^he 
town, sitve the cathedral and St. Peter^s. I preached at 
two : when I had done, Mr. Home called upon me, who 
preached at the cathedral in the morning, an agreeable man, 
both in temper and person; and, I bdieve, much alife to 
God. At ludf an hour after five I pitached again to as 
many as the house would ccmtain ;. wad even those ibvi 
could not get in, stayed more quiet and silent than ever I 
saw them brfore. Indeed, tiiey all seemed to know that 
God was there. And I have no doubt but he will revive his 
work here also. 

Monday 18, No coach going out for Lynn to-day, I was 
obliged to take a post-chaise :. but, at Deerham, no horses 
were to be had; so we were obliged to take the same horses 



I 

248 BBV. JOHN Wesley's /oubh al. [ocr. 1790. 

to Swaffham. A congregation was reaidy here, that filled the 
house, .and seemed quite willing to receive instruction : but 
here neither could we procure any post-horses; so that we 
^.were obliged to take a single horse chaise. Tha wind, with 
misling rain, came full in our faces, ; and we h^ nothing to 
screen us from it. So that I was thoroughly chilled from 
head to foot, before I came to Lynn : but I sqoa forgot this 
little inconvenience, for which the ean^estness of the con* 
gregation made me large amends. 

. Tuesday 19, In the evening all the clergymen in the 
town, except one who was lame, were present at the preach* 
ing. They are all prejudiced in favour of the Methodists, 
as indeed are most of the townsmen ; who give a foir proofs 
b^ contributing so much to - our Sunday-schools^ so that 
tilere is nearly twenty pounds in hand. 

Wednesday 20, I had appointed to preach at Diss^> a 
town near ScoMq^ : but the difficulty was, where I joould 
preach. The minister was willing I should preach in the 
church; but feared ofiending the Bishop, who^ going up to 
ZiOndon, was within a few miles, of the town. ' Butia gentle* 
roan asking the Bishop whether he had any objection to it, 
was answered, ^^ None at all." I think. this church is one 
of the largest in this county. I suppose it has not -been so 
filled these hundred years. This evening and the next I 
preached at Bury, to a deeply attentive congregation, many 
of whom know in whom they have believed. So that, here 
we have not lost all our labour I Friday 22, we returned to 
liOndon. 

Sunday 24, I explained to a numerous oongregatioii in 
Spitalfields' church. The whole armour of GodL St. Paul's, 
Sbadwell, was stiU more crowded in the afternoon, while I 
enforced that important truth. One thing is needful. And 
J hppe many, even thpn, revived to chpos^ th^ better part. 



\ 



■ * t 



PARTICULARS 

OF THE 

4 ■ 

DEAi'H OF Ma. WESLEY. 



% 



WE are now come to the end of this interesting Narrative: 
^whether Mr. Wesley carried it on any further is hot cer«* 
^ tain : but, if he did, no more of it has been discovered. 
It is probable that, finding himself unable, through the de- 
cay of his sight, and the shaking of bis hand, to write legi- 
bly, he had forbprn to continue it. To these causes, it seems, 
rather than to any part of the manuscript being mislaid or 
lost, we are to impute some of the chasms which there 
are in this Number. And, if the reader finds any of the 
names of persons or places improperly spelled, he must at* 
tribute the enxMrs tqr the same source,, the whole of the copy 
being so ill written as to be scarcely-legible. 

We proceed, now, according to our pronodse, to give some 
account of the laot scene of the life of this extraordinary 
man. 

Hq had found, as he tells us in his Journal, page 238, an 
almost sudden change take place in the state of his body, 
in August, 1789, at which time, not only his eyes Jbecame 
so dim, that no glasses would help him, but his strength 
likewise, in.agreat measure, forsook him; and that,, as' he 
believed, to retnm no more in this world. And, although 
he felt no pain, from HejEul to foot, yet, nature was so ex- 
hausted, that he had every reason to think it would fail 
mpiTe;. and more,, till it sunk into the cold embrace of death. 
Accordingly, January 1, following, he says,. '^ I am. now 
an old. i9an, decayed from head to. foot. My eyes are dim : 
my right hand- shakes much: my mouth .is. hot and dry 
efery morning. I have a lingering fever almoist every day. 
Sly.motiw is weak mxd slow." . He observes, however, at 




tSO PARTICULARS OF THB DEATH OF 

Ibe same time, << I do not slacken my labour : I can pieach 
and write still." Thus he went on, not only to October 24, 
following, as we hare seen^ when his Journal ends, bat 
during the remaining part of the autunm and winter, till Ae 
middle of February, continually praying, say his biogra- 
phers, ^^ Lord, let me not lire to be useless." He preached, 
as usual, in different places in London and its vicinity, 
generally meeting the sociefy, after preaching in each place, 
and exhorting them to love as brethreny fear Gody and 
honour ike King, which he wished them to <xiiisider as his 
last adTtoe. He then usually, if not invariably, concludsdl, 
with giving out that verse, • 

^< O that, without a lingering gtoan, 
I may the wdcome word recdve; 
My body with my charge lay down. 
And cease at once to work and live/* 

He proceeded in thb way till the usual tinie of his leaviig 
London approached, iHien,mth a view to take bis aoosslom* 
cd journey, through Ireland or Scotland, he sent his chaise 
and horses before him to Bristol, and took places for himself 
and his frand in the Bath coach. But his modi, with all 
its vigour, could no longer uphold his wom-out and ainfcbig 
body. Its powers ceased, although, by slow and ahuost 
hnsperorptible degrees, to perform theur sundbry oCces, until, 
as he often expressed himsdf on similar occasioDs, 

<< The weary ifheds of life stood still at hsL^ 

Thursday, Fefaraary 17, 1791, be preached «t Lafldbea; 
Iwt, on his return, anmed nmch indisposed, and said, he 
had taken ooU. The next day, however, ke rend and 
wrote ns usnal; and in dbe evenu^, prenched nt rhfisre^ 
from ''neK^'s bnsinms nqniics haHe,'' «lthQi«h with 
•Qsnedificuky, havii« an high d(«;ffcr of frrer upon hfaa. 
Indeed he was obliged to atop onoe or twice, infonah^lbe 
people that bis cold so aicded bis wioe as In prefcnt bis 
spcttki^g widwul those neoesHny pnnns. O^Ssftnrii^he 
slil iMMfcnd hi Us wHHd csaphjwsirtB^ *oi^ ts^dmaa 



9HB RET. JOHN WS8LET. 951 

abont him, his complaints seemed evidently iocreasib^. He 
dined at Islington, and at dinner desired a fViend to itead to 
him four chapters oat of the book of Job, viz. from the 
ibtrrth to the seventh inclusiye. On Sunday he rose earfy, 
according to custom, but quite unfit for any of bis usiml 
Sabbath day's exercises. At seven o'clock he was obliged 
(o lie down, and slept betv^een three and fout hours. When 
ke awdiLe^ he said, '^ I have not had such a comfiirtabfe 
ajeepthis fortnight past.'' In the afternoon he lay down 
again and slept an hour or two. Afterwards two of his own 
discourses on our Lord's sermon on the mount, were read 
to him, and in the evening he came down to supper. 

Monday the 3Ist, he seemed much better; and though 
his friends tried' to dissuade him from it, he would keep an 
engagement, made some time before, to dine at Twicken« 
ham. In hb way thither he called on Lady Mary Fitage^ 
vakl : the conversation was truly profitaUe, and weU became 
a last visit. On Tuesday he went on with Us usual wcnrk, 
preaphed in the evening at the chapel in the City-Road^ 
and feemed inuch better than ho had been for so^e days* 
On Wednesday he went to Leatherbead, and {nreache^ to a 
taudl company, on ^^ Seek ye the Loid while he may be 
fbnnd; dill ye upon him while he is near." This proved 
to be his last sermons here ended the public labouts of this 
great minister o£ Jesus Christ. On Thursday he paid a 
visit to Mr. Wolff's lovely fiimily at Baham^ where he was 
cheerful, and seemed nearly as well as usual, till Friday, 
about breakfast time, when he grew very heavy. About 
eleven o'clock he returned home, extremely ill. His friends 
were struck with the manner of his getting out of the car^ 
riage, and still more with his apparent weakness when he 
went up stairs and sat down in his chair. He now desired to 
be left alone, and not to be intermixed by any one, for half 
an hour. When that time was expired, some mulled wine 
was brought him, of which he drank a little. In a few 
minutes he threw it up, and said, ^^ I must lie down." His 
friends were now alanned, and Dr. Whitehead was imme- 
diaiely aeat £»• On his entering the loom^ he said^ hi a 



SM PARTICULARS OP THC DCATH OF 



cheerful voice, ^^ Doctor, they are moie afraid than hart.^ 
Mo6t of this day he lay in bed, had a quick pulae^ with a 
considerable degree of fevor and stupor. And Saturday, the 
S6th, he continued in much the same state; taking very 
little, either of medicine or nourishment 

Sunday morning he seemed much better, got dp, and took 
a cup of tea. Sitting in his chair, he looked qaite cheer* 
fhl, and repeated the latter part of the verse, in his brother 
Charles's Scripture Hjrmns, on Forsake me noi when my 
Urength faileihj vix*. 

<< Tin glad Ilay this body down, 
Thy servant. Lord, attend; / 
And, O ! my life of mercy crown 
With a triumphant end.*' 

Soon after, in a most emphatical manner, he said, ^< Our 
friend Lazarus sleepeth." JSxerting himself to conversewith 
some friends, he was soon fatigued and obliged to lie down. 
After lyin^ quiet some time, he looked up, and said, ^^ Speak 
to me; I cannot speak." On which one of the oompany 
said,' ^' Shall we piay with you, Sir?" He earnestly re* 
plied, ^^ Yes.'' And, while they prayed, his whole soul 
seemed engaged with God finr an answer, and his hearty 
Amen shewed that be perfectly understood what was said. 
About half an hour afier, he said, ^< There is no need of 
more; whoi at Bristol my words were, 

^ I the chief of sinners am, 
But Jesus died for me.' "^ 

One said, ^^ Is this the present language of your heart, and 



• Jlf^ht Bristol Conference, in 1783» Mr. Wesley was takes ▼cry iU: 
■efthe7be nor his friends tbonghf be conld recorer. Fraa the BBtiire 
of Ins complaint, be supposed a spasB wonid seize bis stowacb, aad, pro* 
Imbly, occasion sadden deatb. Under tbese views of bis sitaatioa, be said 
to Mr. Bradford, ** I Iwve been reflecting on my past life: 1 bave been 
wandering up and down, between fifty and sixty jrcars, endeaTOoring, in 
my poor way, to do a little good to my fellow creatares : and now it Is 
probable, tbat tbere are bat a few steps between ae api deatb lapdl' 



THE BEV« JOHN W£9I<£Y« tSS 

do you now feel as you did then?" He replied, '^ Yes." 
When th^ same person repeated, 

<' Bold I approach the eternal throue, 
And claim the crown, thro' Christ, my own ;*' 

and added, ^^ 'Tis enough. He our precious Immanuel 
has purchased, has promised all;" he earnestly replied, 
^^ He is all ! He is all !" After this the fever was very high, 
and, at times, affected his head ; but even then, though his 
head was subject to a temporary derangement, his heart 
seemed wholly engaged in his Master's work. In the even- 
ing he got up again, and, while sitting in his chair, he said, 
^^ How necessary it is for every one to be on the right 

foundation ! 

* I the chief of sinners am, 

But Jesuit died for me!' " 

Monday, the 38th, his weakness increased. He slept most 
•of the day, and spoke but little ; yet, that little testified how 
much his whole heartwas taken up in the care of the socie- 
ties, the glory of God, and the promotion of the thmgs per- 
taining to that kingdom to which he was hastening. Once 
he said, in a low, but distinct manner, ^^ There is no way 
into the holiest, but by the blood of Jesus." He afterwards 
enquired what the words were from which he had preached 
a little before at Hampstead. Being told they were these, 
'^ Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though 
he was rich, yet, for your sakes he became poor, that ye, 
through his poverty might be rich :" he replied, " That is 
the foundation, the only foundation : there is no other.'' 
This day Dr. Whitehead desired he might be asked, if he 



««#«^^«^^.«^«^#^«^^««##|^ 



have I to trust to for salvation ? I can see nothing Tvhich 1 have done or 
suffered, that uvUl bear looking at. I have no other plea than this, 

* I the chief o^ sinners am, j 

But Jesus died for me.' *' ^ . 

The seiitiment here expressed, and his reference to it in his last sickness,, 
plainly shews how Bttedlly he lutd peneveied in the same views of the gos- 
i^ with which h< tet out to prcsach it».. 



9M PARtI60IiAEi 69 irflfe DBATH 

woald have any other physiciato called in to attend him ; 
but this he absolutely refused. It is remarkaUe that he suf^ 
fered very little pain, never complaining of any daring his 
illness, but once of a pain in his left breast. This was a 
restless night. Tuesday morning he sang tfro verses^ of a 
hymn : then lying still, as if to recover strength, he daUed 
for pen and ink ; but when they were brought, he could not 
write. A person said, << Let me write for you, Sir : Idl tne 
what you would say.^' He replied, ^< Nothing, but that 
God is with us," In the forenoon he said, ^^ I will get up." 
While they were preparing his clothes, he brcdie out in a 
manner, which, considering his extreme weakness, astonitfi- 
ed all present, in singing 

^* ril praise my Maker while Fve breath, 
And when ray voice is lost in death. 

Praise shall employ my nobler powers : 
My days of praise shall ne'er be past. 
While life, and thought, and being, last. 
Or immortality endures ! " 

Having got him into his chair, they observed him change 
for death. But he, regardless of his dying body, said with a 
weak voice, '^ Lord, thou givest strength to those that can 
speak, and to those who cannot. Speak, Lord, to all our 
hearts, and let them know that thou loosest tongues/' He 
then sung, 

<< To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
Who sweetly all agree, — " 

Here his voice failed. After gasping for breath, he said, 
*< Now we have done all." He was then laid in the bed, 
from which he rose no moce. After resting a little he called 
to those who were with him, " To pray and praise." They 
kneeled down, and the room seemed to be filled with the 
divine presence. A little after, he said, ^< Let me be buried 
in nothing but what is woollen, and let my corpse be carried 
in my coffin into the chapel." Then, as if done with all ber 
low, he again begged they would pray and praise. Several 
friends that were in the house being called up, tbej «H 



ORTHB BBV. JOHIT WBS&EY. * 865* 

kneeled flown t^n to prayer, at which lime hid ferrour of 
spirit was manifest to every one present. But ia particulac 
parts of the prayer, bis whole soul seemed to be engaged in 
a manner which evidently shewed how ardently he longed 
for the full accomplbhment of their united desires. And 
when one of the preaob^s was praying in a very expressive 
manner, that if God were about to take away their &ther to 
his eternal rest, he would be pleased to continue and increase 
his blessing upon the doctrine and discipline, which he had 
long made his servant the mean of propagating and estab« 
lishingin the world ;. such a degree of fervour accompa* 
nied his loud Amen^ as was every way exptessive of his 
soul's being engaged in the answer of the petitions. On 
rising from their knees, he took hold of all their hands, and^ 
with the utmost placidness, saluted them, and said, ^< Fare- 
well, farewell." 

A little after, a person coming in, he strove to speak, but 
Oould not. Finding they could not understand him, he paus- 
ed a little, and, then with all the remaining strength he bad, 
cried out. The best of all isy Ood is toUh us; add, soon after 
lifting up his dying arm in token of victory, and raising his 
feeble voice with a holy triumph, not to be expressed, he 
again repeated the heart*reviving words, The best of all 
if, God is with us. Being told that his brother's widow 
was come^ he said, <^He giveth his servants rest" He 
thanked her, as she pressed his hand, and affectionately en- 
deavoured to kiss her. On wetting his lips, he said, ^^ We 
thank thee, O Lord, for these and all thy mercies : Uesp the 
Church and King ; and grant us truth and peace, through 
JcBus Christ our Lord, for ever and ever I " At another time 
he said, ^^ He causeth his servants to lie down in peace.*' 
Then pausii^ a little, he cried, <^ The clouds dr&p fatness ! ' ' 
and soon after, ^^ The Lord is with us, the God of Jacob is 
eor refuge !" He then called those present to prayer : and: 
thongh be was greatly exhausted, he appeared still more 
fervent in spirit. These exertions were, however, too muck 
Ant his feeble fi;ame ; and most of iho night foUpwiiig^ 




256 OF TUB AEV. JOHN WEStCr.*' 

though he often attempted to repeat the Psalm b^xe-oieii^ 
tioned. he could only utter, 

" ril praise— rU praise ! '' 

On Wednesday morning, the closing scene drew near. 
Mr. Bradford, his faithful friend, prayed with hun, and 
the last words he was heard to articulate were, ^^ Farewelll" 
A few minutes before (en, while several of his friends were 
kneeling around his bed, without a lingering groan, this 
man of God, this beloved pastor of thousands^ entered into 
the joy of his Lord. 

He was in the eighty-eighth year of his age, had been^ 
sixty-five years in the ministry ; and the preceding pages 
will be a lasting memorial of his uncommon zeal, diligence, 
and usefulness, in his Master's work, for niore than half a 
century. His death was an admirable close of so laborious 
and useful a life. 

At the desire of many of his friends his corpse was placed 
in the New-Ghapel, and remained there the day before his 
interment. His face during that time had a heavenly smile 
upon it, and a beauty which was admired by all that 
saw it. 

March the 9th, was the day appointed for his interment. 
The preachers then in London requested that Dr. Whiter 
head should deliver the funeral discourse ; and the execu- 
ters afterwards approved of the appointment. The inten- 
tion was, to carry the corps into the chapel, and place it in 
a railed situation before the pulpit during the service. But 
the crowds which came to see the body while it lay in the 
coffin, both im the private house, and especially in the 
chapel the day before his funeral, were so great, that his 
l(iriends were apprehensive of a tumult, if they should pro* 
ceed on the plan first intended. It was therefore resolved, 
the evening before, to bury him between five and six in the 
morning. Though the time of notice to his friends was 
short, and the design itself was spoken of with great cau- 
tion, yet a considerable number of persons attended at that 



tHE REV. JOHNv WESL£Y. . 25T 

wrljf hour. The late Rev. Mr. Rioharc^spn, who now lies 
vfim him in the same vault, read the funeral service in a 
manner that made it. peculiarly afiecting.;. when he came to 
that part o( it, ^^ l^'orasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty 
God to take unto himself the soul of our dear Brother j 
&c." he substituted, with the most tender emphasis, the 
epithet Father, instead of Brother, which had so power* 
ful an effect on the congregation, that from silent tears, they 
seemed universally to burst chit into loud weefping. 

— *. ■. ■ "■ • 

• INSCRIPTION ON HIS COFFIN. 



JOHANNES WESLEY, A. M. 

Olim. Soc. Coll. Lin. Oxon. 

Ob. 2do. die Martii, 1791. 

An. Mi. 88.* 



^ 



.t 



Irhe discourse, by Dr. Whitehead, Was. delivered iii.tlie 
chapel ait the hour appbinted in the forenopn, to an astonish- 
ing niultitude of people; among whdm were ihany ministers 
of the Gospel, Woth of the Establishirieht arid Dissenters. 
The audience wds stiir^nd so]emn as night; and all seemed 
to carry a\¥ay with'theba, enlarged views of Sir. Weslev.^s 
cbai^cter, aild serious i'mpressions of the imporfanCe bl^ re- 
ligion, and tlie utility of Methodism. 

. ■...•.■-. _ • 

The death of Mr.. Wesley, attracted the public notice be- 
yond any former example,, perhaps, of a clergy ipan,| how- 
ever dignified. It being generally known, that he died as be 
bad lived; and evinced in death, the uprightness and inte- 
.grity of his life, the impression on the public mind in favour 
of his character and of Methodism, w^s almost universal ; 
.so that some persons said, Mr. Wesley will do more good 



^^^^^9^*^ ***>f*^*^ 



« John Wesley, Master of Arts, formerly Fellow of Lincoln-College, 
Oxford, died on theseccmd day of Marck, 1791, in t|ie dghty-eightli y«ur 
;of his age. 

vol; 'VI. s 



♦. 



SS9 MB. weslbt's last will and tsstament. 

hj h}8 death, than he did in his whole life. This, howef«r, 
m certain, that a door of usefulness was now opened tatht 
Methodist PtetcheiB, tmknown at any former period. 



THE FOLLOWING IS A COPT OF 

MR. WESLEY'S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT. 



*^ In the name of God^ Amen! 

<• I JOHN WESLEY, Clerk, some time Fellow of Lincota- 
Collie, Oxford, revoking all others, appoint this my Last 
Will and Testament. 

^^ I give an my bodes, now on sale, and the cof^es of 
them (oidy subject to a rent charge of jf 85. a year, to the 
widow and children of my brother) to my faithful friends, 
John Hortoii, Merchant, George Wolff, Merchant, and 
William Marriott, Stock-Broker, all of London, in trusty 
for the general Fund of the Methodist Conference, in carry* 
ing on the work of God, by Itinerant Preachers, on condi- 
tion that they permit the following Committee, Thomas 
Coke, James Creighton, Peard Dickenson, Thomas Ranki% 
George Whitefield, and the London Assistant for the time 
beii||;9 still to superintend the Prihting-Press, and ta employ 
Ham&h Pkramore and George Paramore, as heretofcHre, un-> 
less four of the Committee judge a change to be needful. 

^^ I give the books, furniture, and whatever else belcNGigt 
to me in the three houses at Kingswood, in trust, to Thomai 
Coke, Alexander Mather, and Henry Moore, to be still em* 
ployed in teaching and maintaining the children of poor 
traTdling Pireachers. 

^ I give to Thomas Coke, Doctor John Whitehead, and 
Heniy Morae, dl the bodu which are in my Study and 
Bed-chamber at London, and in my Studies elewli^> ia^ 



MR. WBSIiET*! LAST WILT. Ain> TEiTAMEllT. 859 

trust, for the use of the Preachers who shall labour there 
from time to time. 

^^ I give the coins, and whatever else is found in IM 
drawer of my bureau at LcHidoni to my dear grand daughtebi 
Mary and Jane Smith. 

'^ I give all my manuscripts to Thomas Coke, Doctor 
Whitehead, and Henry Moore, to be burnt or published ai 
they see good. 

<^ I give whatever money remains in my bureau and 
pod^ets to be equally divided between Thomas Briscoe^ 
William Collins, John Easton, and Isaac Brown. 

^^ I desire my gowns, cassocks, sashes, and bands may 
remain in the chapel for the use of the Clergymen attending 
there. 

'^ I desire the London Assistant, for the time being, to 
divide the rest of my wearing apparel among thos^ four of 
the travelling Preachers that want it most; only my pelisse 
I give to the Uev. Mr. Creighton; my watch to my friend 
Joseph Bradford ; my gold seal to Elizabeth Ritchie. 

^^ I give my chaise and horses to James Ward and Charles 
Wheeler, in trust, to be sold, and the money to be divided 
between Hannaih Abbott and the members of the Select 
Society. 

<^ Out of the first money which arises from the sale of 
books, I bequeath to my dear sister, Martha Hall (if alive) 
j640. ; to Mr. Creighton aforesaid, jtf40. ; and to the Rev. 
Mr. Heath ^£60. 

<^ And whereas, I am empowered by a late Deed, to name 
the persons who are to preach in the New Chapel at Lon« 
don, (the Clergjnmen for a continuance,) and by another 
Deed to name a Committee for appointing Preachers in the 
New Chapel at Bath, I do herdby appoint John Richard-.^ 
son, Thomas Coke, Jamer Creighton, Peard Dickenson, 
Clerks; Alexander Mather, William Thomson, Henry 
Mooie, Andrew Blair, John Valton, Joseph Bradford, 
James. Rogers, and William Myles, to {nreach in the New 
Chapel at London, and to be the Cmnmittee for aj^intinf 
Pri^actoft m the NafT Chapel at Bath. 

S « . 



9Bfi WBLp WESLEY'a LATE' WILL AN0 TSSTAM EVT. 

..^^ I likewise Appoint Henry . Brooke, Paints ; Arthur 
Keene, Gent.; and William Whitestone, Staticmer, alLof 
Dublin, to receive the. annuity of j65, (English) left to 
K^ng&wood'-Scbocd by theilate Roget Shiel, Esq* 

^^ I give j£6. to be divided amoi^ the six .poor men, 
named by the Assistant, who shall carry my body to the 
grave : for I particularly desire there may be no hearse, no 
coach, no escutcheon, no pomp, except the tears of than 
that loved me, and are following me to Abraham^s bosom. 
I Aidemnly adjure my Executers, in the name of Grod, punc- 
tually to observe this. 

• " Lastly, I give to each of those travelling Preachers 
who ^hall remain in the connexion six months after my de* 
cease, as a small token of my love, the eight volumes of 
sermons. 

' " I appoint John Horton, George Wolff, and William 
Marriptt, aforesaid, to be Executers of this my last Will 
iuid^Testament,.;for which trouble they will receive no.ie'^ 
compence tiUHhe resurrection of the Just. » 

?''M Witness my hand and seal, the SOth day of February, 

ns9y 

" JOHN WESLEY. (Seal.) 

" Signed, sealed, and delivered, by the said Testator as 
and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, 

« WILLIAM CLULOW, 
« ELIZABETH CLULOW. 

^^ Should there be any part of my personal estate undis- 
posed of by this my last Will : I give the same unto my twp 
Nieces, E. Ellison and S. Collet, equally, 

"JOHN WESLEY. 
" WILLIAM CLULOW, 
, " ELIZABETH CLULOW. 

" Feb. 25, 1789^. 
, « I give nay type$ , printing-presses,, and every thing per- 
taining thereto, to Mr. Thomas Rankin, and Mr. George 
^hitefie)d, in trust, for the use of the Conference. 

"JOHN WESLEY*." 



THIRD CODICiii ' OF MR .' WES'LByV Witt. SSt 

Above a year and a half after making this^Wilj, Mr..W^- 
ley executed a de6d^ in which he appbinted seveh ^nfle- 
men, viz. Dr. Thomas Coke, , Messrs. Alexander Mather, 
Peard Dickenson, John YaltOn, James Rogers, Josepli 
Taylor, . and^ Adam Clarlde/ ' Trilsiees 'ioi > all his books, 
pamphlets, and copy bright, for carrying on^the/ivork of 
God by Itinerant Preachers, according to the enrolled Deed, 
"which we haye alr^fidy mef^tioned : hiit JP^. Coke being in 
America at tjje^tipie.of Mr. Wesley's ijeatfa, thQ Deed was 
suffered to lie dormant till his. return. The three Executers 
then took the advice of two of the most emi^en); Counsellors 
in the kingdom^ who informed them that ine Deed was of a 
tesfemenfary nature, and therefore superseded 'the Will, vfitii 
respect to the: books, '&;c. ! ^Tke Deed was;th^ presented to 
the Judge pf.jthe. Prerogative Court of Canterbury, who re- 
ceived it as the third Codicil of Mr. Wesley's Will; on 
which the th^ J^xecuters delivered up, their, general Pro- 
bate, and received a new one limited to those particulars 
which were not mentioned iii'^ the Deed. ' At the same time a 
Probate was granted, by the' Court te^Ule^'lteVeJi^^rustees, 
constituting them Executers for all iher books, pamphlets, 
and copy-right,^ of which'Mr. Wqslfiy:.^ied p^sesfed^iand 
empowering them tp pay .^11 his debt0;an4 Ic^i^i^s^ . - ^ 

The first Preachers began to assist Mr* Wesley as ^ine- 
rgmts in the year 1740, Twenty-five years after, viz. in the 
year 1765, their' names and stations were, for the Ar time, 
published in the Minutes of the Conference. All therefore 
who came into the connexion, during that period, niay be 
considered as the first race of Methodist Preachers. The last 
Conference which Mr. Wesley presided at, was in the year 
1790, exactly twenty-five years firom the year 1765. Tfie 
Preachers who were aditiHAd into the connexion, during 
thjs period, may be considered as the secon^ ^?^Sf^ ^^ Metho- 
dist Preachers. Those who have been ad'piii^, ^^ince Mr, 
Wesley's death, n^^y be consi^red fis tlie tj[^j^4 ^^^^* 

' ^ • J-- ■ . » ■• » .\ . .» 



968 IWCRIPTION ON MR. WESLSY*t TOMB*. 

The following Inscription is put on Mr. Wesley s Tomb t 

To the Memory of 
THE VENERABLE JOHN WESLEY, A. M. 

. Late Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. 

This Great Light arose 

(By the singular Proyidence of God) 

To enlighten these Nations, 

And to rmx^, enforce, and defend^ ^ 

The Pore, Apostolical Doctrines and Practices of 

THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH: 

Which he continaed to do, by his Writings and his 

Labours, 

For more than Half a Century : 

And, to his expressible Joy, 

Not onfyj behdd their Influence extending, 

And their Efficacy \ritnessed. 

In the Hearts and Lives of Many Thousafds, 

As well in the Western World, as in these 

Kingdoms: 

But also, far above all human Power or Expectation, 

Livel|||lo see Provision made, by the singular Grace of 

God, 

for their Continuance and Establishment, 

To the Joy of future Generations ! 

Reader, If thou art constrained to bless the Instrument, 

Give God wm^ Glory ! r 

^er haoing languished a fezp days, He pt length finished 

^.f CoyRSE and his \awz together : gloriously 

triunqthing oter Death^ March % An. 

Dom. 1791, in the Eighty^igkth Year 

qf his Age. 



villi WBfiLEY^« ^pPITAP^f IHS^ 

The following Epitaph^ written hy Dr. Whitehead^ is in- 
scribed &n a Marble Tablet^ and placed in the Nm 
Chapel^ City-Road. 

Sacfed to tke M^noiy 

Of flie Reo. JOHN WESLEY, M. A. 

Some time Fellow ^f Lincojln College, Oxi'ORii. 

A MW) ia LeanuDg a^ smcere Pietjr, 

Scascely inferior to any : 

InZeal^ ICinisterial Labours, aad extensive Usefulness, 

Superior <perhaps) to all Mw 
Since the Days ef St. PA Ul». 

Regardless of Fatigue, persmial Danger, and Disgrace, 
He went out iilto the highways and hedges, 

Calling Sinners to Repentance, 
And Preaching the GOSPEL of Peace. 

He was the Founder of the Methodist Societies ; 

The Patron and Friend of the Lay-Preachers, 

By whose aid he extended the Plan of Itinerant preaching 

Through Great-Baitain and Ireland, 

The J^est'lvtiim and America 

With une^amjded Success^ 

He wiui bom June 17th, 17^3, 

And died March 2d, 1791; 

In sure and jcertain hope of JEtamal life. 

Through the Atonement and Mediatum dTa Crucifi^l Saviour. 

He was sixtf-five Years in the Ministry^ 

And fifty-two an Itinerant Preacher: 

He lived to see, in these Kingdoms only. 

About three-hundred Itinerant, 

And a thousand Zioad Preachos, 

i||jsed tip from t>|^iHgf of his own People^ 

And «igh(y-thoasand Perfltts in the Societies under his care* 

. His Name will eyer be had in grateful Remembrance 
By all who rejoice in the univeraal Spread 
Of the Gospel of 

SoH OcQ Glomu 



SOIr BEviEw OF' iiu. westet*^ character. 

Having now, accdrding to ottf, ;<^ngagenients with the pub* 
Itc, traced the life of t&is grdat and extraordinary man to its 
close, and haying even exceeded our premises in adding to 
his Journal, not onljr.an accoi^i^t) qif, his .death and fiineral, 
but also a cop/ oi^ hi^.i^a^l Jf^ fmd ^estamenty we had 
•intended here to conclude this first part of pujr work, and to 
refer those of our readers, who wisned' to see a delmdation of 
his character, to his Life, iii ott^^il; Sw.by Dr. Coke 
and Mr. Hen. Mooi^; or, 'to that pttbKBfa^ in two vols, by 
the late Dr. Whitehead. But it having b^nistiggeGltedUo 
us. by some friends, that this.; edition ^ of hjdi¥orks will pro- 
baby fall into the liands of mla)ny«)itihdi^kls wko are not in 
possessioa of, and wiU npt b^y^ .^n ppp9ir)^iini)[y of perusing, 
either of these; pijLliUc^ipp^; ;t^a(; i^qi^c.sK^ch of his cha- 
racter, however. s)^t,,,wi9npitiMfal|y.b^ei;pected from us; 
and that the history of ^ Mr. (liVedey;|ifiUl>®'Tpry incomplete 
without it: ia order ^^tb^ yff^, may,jn(]|^ cpti];ely dis£|ppoint 
the hopes oifpny^ of. ^I^^^is in thi^.part^ujar, .we shall 
bestow a (ew,.pa^ on, thii^rsuljjeet «also; l^ijitj they must be 
but few, pur enga^jnent Jj)fii^ .tp jiul^lisjti M^^ 
Works and not tj^pse of japy otbj^r, pap. ^ : | 

A short Retiew of MryWe9le^>sf€}karacter, 

• . . , . :.■;:•!/- or/i!/ hi!/. 

£yery intelligent. leader. ;whoiiJi9ft'j];^fiUsed with attention 
the .preo|duig Jf^rcattive,; ^aUdj tofciOPaaidsml the m^ny: par4 
ticulars of ]\Jr, Wesley/g J^^ private 

nature, Avhibh ^jir.e,^n^^^ughjlji^^eyiew|l(e|^e him, must 
have fou^j^^i^i^e^f, cjq^bljpdpj )by Jj^^is, !tiiap,j; tp»form an 
opinion of the cl^a^tef of this, gjte^^t.ii^anpfi/ good evidence. 
But it must be remeii)ibered^, A^.J^jif, yi^lii(^^ad observes, 
(from who^ Beyicjw c^ Mr. /W^^'? P^^Tft^^^-A^ follow- 
ing skel^ is extiagted*,) «f , .fj^pt.^niij^. p^icu^ari pjf cumr 

♦ We have 91^ ^^i$.,extract fr^»,pr. yfWteh^^'j Lffe oftjkfr, Wesley, 
rather than from tha^ bji DnCo^e-^^.Mr,. Mpore, because Ve know the 
former is in the hands of very few of our readers, whereas, we believe, 
many pf them are in posse6<Xbii^«f\hcflMtei^ " ' 



KEVIEW OP MR. WE8L15Y*S CHARACTClt. 265 

stances, or a few occasional acts in a man's life, db not* 
foim his character, but the general tenor of his conduct/ 
Because this shews some fixed principle that uniformly ope- 
rates upon him, which y with a correspondent practice, forms 
his character. And when a Ibrig, virtuous, and useful life is 
crowned with an end suitable to it, death puts a stampupod 
his virtues; which shews us that they are not counterfeit 
but genuine." If the candid t6BJiti will review Mr. Wej- 
ley's whole life, arid judge 6f him by tMs rule, we are per^ 
suaded,' he will think with'-ii^, that whatever filings, as a! 
man, he might have, be had a d^re6 cf£ excellence -in his 
character to which few rfien attain; ■ i ^ -i. • im..h 

•" Some persons have affects to insinuate that Mr. Weii^ 
lejr was a man of ISendet' 'Cajiacity ; but ceiftriitily with' gfeai< 
injustice. His apprehensicin^as clear, his penetration quibfi-,' 
and his judgment discrimihk'tive tend iouhd ; of which his 
controversial Writings-,' and m» celebrity in the office he heW 
at Oxford, when young, are sufficient proofs. In govemiki^ 
a large body of preachers and peopley of various habits, in- 
terests, and principle with astonishibg 43alnmesfr. and regu- 
larity for man^ yej^rs^ be^l^eped a strong caj^cious jAind, 
that could comp|re^^n4 apd combine to^ethcir a vast, variety 
of circumstances, and cjirect their influence through the 
great -body he governed.' As a Scholar,' he cettEiinly Md 
a Mnspicudus rank.' H^w^s {i'^CHtic ih the LfitiriiiMd 
Gjreek Clasi^lcs; and ^aij' well ^kcquaitited with the H«bhrw, 
ais* w^il as with most "of th^ Edi-dpean latig^ages nc^w in use.* 
ButtUe Greek ' wa§ hU-;ilaVoUrit^langndgej in whit^ hid 
knowledge was exti^ive^aridadcurate; -At College^ he-had 
studied^ with a' gobdd^l ^' bare,^ Eufclid, Keil, Sir Isaac 
'Newton's Optics,' &d/i&c.' : 'btit he li^er entered -fiur* into 
the more absti'use parts,-, oirthef higher^ branches of tbef Maw 
theibatics;^fidding they would fascihatcl his mind,'dnd ab- 
.i^rb aU bi^ attentioti, and divert Uiih'ikniii the pursuit of the 
ihorb'Uaipbttaht objects of his own profession. : ' ■ 

'<^NatttralHister^/ifks a fieldih which he walk^ at every 
op^rtunity^' ' and icbntdmplated'^liriHi infioite jpleasure, ' uk 
yMUdliml Hie po^Hty and tUe gbodben dif Gdd, \h the slrac^ 



966 ftBVUW OF MR. WBSLBT'g CHAftACUm* 

tare of natural bodies, and in the various instincts and halnte 
of the animal creation. But he was obliged to view these 
wonderful works o^ God, in the labours and records of 
others; his various and continual employments dT a higher 
nature, not permitting him to make experiments and obser- 
vations for himself. 

^< As a Writer, he certamly possessed talents, baOk fifom 
nature and education, sufficient to procure him considqtable 
reputation. But Mr. Wesley did not write £oft fiune ; his 
object was to instruct and benefit that numerous class of 
people, who have a plain understanding with plain^ com- 
mon sense, little learning, little money, and but little time 
to spare for reading. In all his writings he constantly kept 
these circumstances in view. Content with doing good, he 
used no trappings merely to please, or to gain applause, 
^he distinguishing character of his style is, brevity aiyl 
perspicuity. He never lost sight of the rule which Horace 
gives, 

^ Es^ brevUate opus^ ut currai senlefi^ta, iieif se 
Impediai verbis lassos onerantUms aures.* 

' Concise your diction, let your sense be clear, 
Nor, with a weight of words fatigue the ear.* 

In his Works, we may observe his words are well chosen, 
being ptire, proper to his subject, and precise in their 
meaning. His senteppes commonly have clearness, unity, 
and strength : and whenever he took time, and gave tiie ne- 
pessary attention to his subject, both hb manner of treating 
it, pmd his style, shew the hand of a master. 

^' The following is a just character of Mr. Wesley as a 
Pr^usher: ^ His attitpde in the pulpit was graceful and 
easy; his action calm and natural, yet pleasing and expres* 
sive: his voice not loud, bi\t clear and manjbfr: his style 
neat, simple, and perspicuous; and admirably adapted to 
the capacity of his hear^. His discourses, ii^ point of 
composition, were extremely different on diffiarent ocp^ions. 
When he gave himself 8i#oient time {oi study, he sue- 
fiet^dedi but whe9 ^,di4 Qot, he firequently fidled/ It ym 



*^7 

SBVISV 09 MB. WBSLXY's CHARA0TXE» IML 

indeed manifest to his friends for many yean hfXixe be 
died, that his employments vfexe too many, and be pr€;acbed 
too often, to appear with the same advantage at all times ia 
the pulpit. His sormoos weee always short : he was seldom 
more than half an hour i&deliveripg a discourse, sometimes 
not so long. His subjects were judiciously chosen ; instruc« 
five and inteiiesting to the itudienGe, mid wdl adapted to 
gain altmtion a,nd warm the heart. 

^^ The TraYj^s of Mr^ Wesley in the work of the ministry, 
finr fifty years together, were wfthout pieoedeot* Daring 
this period, he tiaydled ahont four ttbonsand five hundred 
miles every year, one year with another; which give two 
hmidred and twenty«five thousand wlesj that he Hmrelled 
after he became an Itinerant Pnmcherl It Had befm imppwi* 
fale for him to perform, this afanpst incredible d^ree of hi* 
boor, without great punctality and care in the managemoit 
of his time. He had stated hours for every purpose c fuid 
his only relaxation was a change of employment. His rules 
were like the laws of the Medes and Persians, absdute and 
irrevocable. He had a pecnUar pleasuDe in reading and 
study; and every literary man knows the force pf^t]^ pas* 
sion, how apt it i9 tp make him ^(Hxoach on the time which 
ought to be employed in other duties: he had ^ high ididr 
for polite conversation, especially with pious,, learned, and 
sensible men': but whenever the hour cam^ he iras to ^ out 
on a journey, he instantly qiiUted any subject or ^ny com« 
pany, in which he might be engaged, without i|ny apparent 
leluotance. For fifty-two ycw^, mr upwards, he gei^nilly 
ddivered two, frequently iiofie or four sern^oos, in a day« 
But calculating at two ser^ions a day, and allowing, a^ « 
writer of his life has done, fifty anpually fox extraosdinary 
occasions, the whc^ ntunher during Urn period will be tattf 
thousand five hundred imd 4Uty. To the^e pigfat b^ addied, 
an infinite number of exhortation^ to the sppieti c s aftc^ 
preaching, and in other occasional jmeetings at which he 
assisted. 

^^. ^ In aocial life, Mr, W&Hii^m§ ^Y^J ^^A cmve«fi» 
Uew' H«hiidi]^gste»iQ]ait»^l^ 



flble'ih^ CDifij^ny: and having been much acc^iistomed to 
86bi^yy the fules' of go6d breeding werd hi^bitual to him/ 
The alkrkction of a s^holaif did ti6t aj[^(iear ia'his behayibiir r 
h^ Ws attehiiTe and p6Kt)efr He'itpc^^'^'-^g^ ^ieOtmhere 
he SaW* it wais lexpedted , "Which ' tra^ ' almost ' al^aj^s* the ctiati 
wherever he yi^teJd<: " his in'vftiMioiis to the ^ bedt 'families 
b6ii!ig'ge]!ierall7 gitien to she#'him' re^ct, and to hear hiraf 
converse on the different -jbiibject^'prdposedv ' If aviifg sdeii 
intidi of th^ wdrld' trihis^fravels/tad^telid more,- his 'mind 
tfHst^ii skVF^^ith aii'lfiffinite number of anecdotes ^i^ dbJ 
servbtSatis ; ^ mA <th« nianiiey in which he related themf,' wt^ 
nd irii^Misici^dble addition- to the entertainment, they ajSbrd- 
^'j^ -Aiid in! ^ivate ttfe amoiig bis friends, his manner vnd 
eqattUy's{>i1gtitiy and pleasant. < It was impossible to be 
hiiigJih'bis cbm^ny, either 'in public or private, withoM 
pittbikbig of his pktcid cbeerfalness ; which .was not abated 
i^ylh^ infirmities of age^ or the appro&cb'iof death; but 
WftsasicinspiCttoos at fourscore and seven, 'ag at' ode and 
«#eh<yV^^ '■' ; 'i . . ?/ :^ ., . . : r 

I <a < A retnarkable featuiHs ih- Mr. Wesley's character, was 
his pbUiability.' Having aaat^t^^P^^^^i^^'^g mind, his 
tenij^'W^ naturkll^ qfnfdt, and evenf tending to sharpness.* 
Th^ inilii^cei of tb\i^6ti; * ^ud the c6nstaitt habit of close 
fhinkihg,* hati,r in< a gt^t/ii«iasmei corrected this disposition.^ 
^in geurt-irt' he 'preserved iaii -aii of sedateness and tranquil- 
lity; whibhfortof^'a striking^ contrast td the liveliness con- 
spicu^f^usih^'airhii a«;ti(nis.' Persecution, abuse, or injury, 
he b<>r^'flr6m strangers, not <Mily 1?ithout anger, but without 
aiiy apparent' emotion^' and' Whfat he sa^ of himself was 
strifetly trtie : that ■ he had a gteat facility in forgiving- inju- 
ries. *• ^'Subtmssion ofn the pai't of the offender, presently 
d&armeti^ hfe resenCm^t, -and he would treat -him with fi^reai^ 
kiiDfdi^s and ' ttotdialily i '^ No' man wis' fever mcwe free from 
jteSlouSjT^bi^ susptdbii'tiiati Mi?. Wesley, or laid himself more 
d^it to,the>impo&itiMs^bf«othek^. Though his confidence 
was often abused, and circumstances sometimes took place, 
tfiriCfaHlr^indhsite'rtade'^lmof^ any other man suspect every 
H60j^'ai^th!b', >i^<>h6''i^s]^ted no one^nor w^ it eaq^ 



REVIEW, of MIt..WE8LEY'-fl OHARAOT^^. S^b 

to eonvince himy that. any < one had intentionally dieceiy^ 
•him. And when facts had demonstrated that this was .acta* 
ally the case, .he would allow- no more, than that it Wjas so 
in that single instance. And if the peirston acknowledged bis 
fault, he believed him sincere, and would trust, him agaUu 
If we view this temper of bis mind in connexion with a cir-* 
cumstaiK^e before mentioned, that his most private concamg 
lay open to the inspection of those constantly about, him^ it 
mill afford as strong a proof as can well be given, of the 
integrity of his own mind ; and that he was at the further 
distance from any intention to deceive, or: impose. upM 
others. -■ .a: 

" ' The temperance of Mr. Wesley was jextraordinary^' 
When at college he carried it so far, that his friends, thought 
Lim blamable. But he never imposed, upon others, the same 
degree of rigour he exercised upon himself. He fmlyjM^idy 
I must be the best judge of what is hurtful, or benefi<:ial to 
me. Among other things, he was remarkable in tl\e article 
of sleep; and. his notion of it, cannot.be better . explained, 
than in his own words. ^.Healthy men, says hq, ^ require 
above six hours sleep; healthy women, . a little abovotieven, 
in i four and twenty. .If .any one desires to .know exactly 
what quantity of sleep his own constitution requires, he may 
▼eryeasily make the experiment, which I made, about six^ 
years ago. I then waked every night about twelve or .o^e> 
and lay awake for some time. I readily Conclude, that this 
arose from my . being in bed . longer than iMiture require^* 
To be satisfied,' I procured an alarum, which waked me tbee 
next morning at seven, (nearly an hour earlier than I rose the 
day before) yet I lay awake again at night. The second 
morning I rose at six ; . but notwitbstatidiDg this, I lay a\f a]^ 
the second night. The third moobiog I rose at five ; but, 
nevertheless, I lay awake the third night. T^e. fourth morn- 
mg I rose at four^* as, by the grace of God, I have dooke 



* Mr, Wesley may be said to have lived in the course of sixty yjeaxa^, Axe 

yean more than those who spend eight hours out of . twiaityifour in deep, 

-«m1 seven years and a half morb 4hanth<)0ewlio ileep.niiielUMiniB.tlr 



$frO B8TIBW OF MR* WMIAT'S OKABACTEK* 

ever nnce : and I lay awake bo more. And I do not mm 
lie awake, taking the year round, a qnwrtertMP an hour to» 
gether in a month. By the same experiment, rinng eailkr 
and eariiei: eviery moniing, may any one find how mnch 
sleep he want^.' 
*^ It must, however, be obserred, that for many yearn be^ 
- fore his death, Mr. Wesley slept more or less every day/ 
And his great readiness to fall asleep at any time whai 
fiitigoed, was a considerable means of keejnng up Us 
fttrength, and enablii^ him to go through so much labour^ 
He never could endure to sleep on a soft bed. Frequmtlyat 
night, "when he thought the bed too soft to sleep upo% he 
wto wont to lay himself across it, and ndl two or three times 
backward and forwaid, till it was sufficientily flattened, and 
then he would get into it. Even in the latter part of lifi^ 
when the infirmities of age pressed upon him, his whde 
conduct was at the greatest distance firom softness or effi> 
minacy. 

^< A writer of Mr. Wesley's Life, firom whom some ob- 
servations, req)ecting his general character, have already 
been taken, has further observed, ' Perhaps the most cha* 
. ritaUe man in England, was Mr. Wesley.' His liberalitf 
' to the poor, knew no bounds but an empty podiet. He 
gave away, not merely a certain part of his income, but afl 
that he had : his own wants provided fiir, he devoted all the 
test to the necessities of others. He ^tered upon this good 
wwk at a very early period. We are tcdd, that, ^ When 
he had thirty pounds a year, he lived on twenty-eight, and 
gave away forty shillings. The next year, recdving sixty 
pounds, he still lived on twenty-ei^ht, and gave away two 
and thirty. The third year he received mnety pounds,; aad 
gave away sixty-two. The fourth year he received one bunt 
dred and twenty pounds. Still he lived on twenty-ieigfat, 
and gave to the poor ninety-two. ' In this ratio he proceeded 
during the rest of his life : and, in the course of fifty years, 
it has been supposed, he gave away between twenty and 
thirty thousand pounds; a great part of which, most other 
men would hi^ve put out at interest, upon good seouri^* ^^ 



REVIEW OF MR. WBSLET'S CHARACTER. 971 

'^ In the distribation of his money, Mr. Wesley was as 
disinterested as he was charitable. He had no regard to 
family connexions, nor eyen to tlU; wants of the preachers 
who laboured with him, in preference to strangers. He knew 
that these had some friends ; and he thought that the poor 
destitute stranger might hare none, and therefore had the 
first claim on hb liberality. Wh«i a trifling legacy has been 
paid him, he has been known to dispose of it in some clfa« ^ 
litable way before he slept, that it might not remain his own , 
pn^rty for one night. ^ Every one knows the apostrophes 
in which he addressed the public, more than once, on this 
subject, declaring, that his own hands should be his ex* 
centers.' And though he gained all he could by his publi* 
cations, and saved all he could, not wasting so much as a 
sheet of paper; yet, by giving all he could, he was pre* 
served from laying up tretisures upon earth. He had de- 
clared in print, that, if he died worth more than ten pounds, 
independent of his books, and the arrears of his fellowship, 
which he then held, he would give the world leave to call 
him, ^ a thief and a robber.' This dedaraticm, made in the 
integrity of his heart, and height of his zeal, laid him Rndet 
some inconveniences afterwards, from circumstances whidi 
he could not at that time foresee. Yet in this, as all his 
friends expected, he literally kept his word, as &r as human 
foresight cOuld reach. His chaise and horses, his clotheS| 
and a few trifles of that kind^ were all, his books excq[>tedy 
that he left at his death. Whatever might be the value of 
his books, is of no consequence, as they wiere placed in the 
hands of trustees, and the profits arising from the sale of 
fltem were to be applied to the use and benefit of the Con« 
fetence ; reservimg only a few legacies which Mr. Wesiqr 
left, and a r6nt-charge of eighty-five pounds a yei^ to bo 
^paid to his brother's widow ; which was not a l^acy but a 
debt, as a consideration for the copy-right of his broth^'s 
bjTinns. 

^^ Among the other excellencies of Mr. Weriey^ his mo* 
flerati<Mi in controversy deserves to be noticed. Writers of 
wmtXQTeny tbo ofti»i forge^ Aat thatr own duoacter is iiH 



S7S «£ VIEW OF MA* WE8LEY*8 OHABAOXBift. 

' tunotely connecteid witb the manner in "wliich ibey; treat 
others; an4 if they liavQ no regard for their oppcinent^,' tlvsy 
should have some for themselves. When a, miter becomes 
personal and abusiv^). it.afibids.a' &ir. presomptioa against 
his argnments, and, ought to put us on our guard against 
deception. Most of; Mr. r Wesley 's opponents were of : this 
description; their fotVtitgr was* mqoh more violent, than their 
reasons Yfexe cogent. Mr., Wesley. kept histemper, and 
yrote.Uke a Christian, a gentleman, and a scholar*' 'He 
might have taken the words of the excellent Hookcnr, as la 
ili0ttt> to his polemical tracts, ' To your railing I say no- 
thing, to your reasons I say what follows.' He^dmired the 
temper in which Mr. Law wrote controversy t only in some 
instances Mr. Law shews a contempt for his opponent^ which 
Mr. Wesley thought was highly improper.'* 

We shall finish this review of Mr. Wesley's character, 
ynOk two or three sketches of it drawn up by different per- 
aotift^ and printed soon after his death ; being persuaded they 
will be highly acceptable to the candid reader. 
• '^. Now that Mr. John Wesley has finished his course 
•upon earth, I may be allowed to estimaite his character, and 
the Ipss the world has sustained by his death. Upon a fidr 
^count, it appears tp be such, as not only annihilates all 
ithe reproaches that have been cast upon him; but such as 
jdoes honour to mankind, at the same .time that it reproaches 
them. His natural and acquired abilities, were both of the 
highest rank « His apprehension was lively and distinct; 
rhis leairnmg extensive. His judgment, though not infidlilde, 
iwas, in most cases, excellent. His mind was steadfast and 
jrescdved. His elocution was ready and clear, graceful and 
easy,, accurate and unaffected. As a wlriter, his styte, 
.'though unstudied, and flowing with natural ease, yet for ac- 
'Curacyand perspicuity, was such as may vie witb the best 
trriters. in the ;£nglish language. Though his temper l¥tis 
naturally warm, his manners were gentle, simple, and uni- 
form, i Never were such happy talents better seconded by 
';an unrielentiqg perseverance in those courses, which his sin* 
-gular .endowments, and his.izealous love to the jinteiesi&of 



REVIEW OF MR. WESLEy's CHARACTER. S73 

mankind, inariLed out for him. ' His consiitution was ex- 
cellent: and never was a constitution less abused, less 
spared, or more excellently applied, in an exact subser- 
vience to the &culties of his mind« His labours and studies 
vrere wonderful. The latter were not confined to Theology 
.<»ily, but extended to every subject that tended, either to 
the improvement, or the rational entertainment of the mind. 
If we consider the reading he discovers by itself, his writ- 
ings and his other labours by themselves, any one of them 
will appear sufficient to have kept a person of ordinary ap- 
plication, busy during his whole life. In short, the trans- 
actions of his life could never have been performed, without 
the utmost exertion of two qualities, which depended, not 
.upon his capacity, but on the uniform steadfiutness of his 
lesolution. These were inflexible temperance, and unex- 
ampled economy of time. In these he was a pattern to the 
. age he lived in ; and an exam{de, to what a surprisingcex- 
tent a roan may render himself useful in his generation, by 
temperance and punctuality. His friends and followers have 
no reason to be ashamed of the name of Methodist, he has 
entailed upon them : as, for an uninterrupted course of 
years, he has given the world an instance of the possibility 
of living without wasting a single hour ; and of the ad- 
vantage of a regular distribution of time, in discharging the 
important duties and purposes of life. Few ages have more 
needed such a public testimony to the value of time ; and 
perhaps none have bad a more conspicuous example of 
the perfection, to which the improvement of it may be 
carried. 

'^ As a minister, his labours were unparalleled, and such 
as nothing could have supported him under, but the warmest 
zeal for the doctrine he taught, and for the eternal interests 
of mankind. He studied to be gentle, yet vigilant and 
iaithfiil towards alL He possessed himself in patience, 
and preserved himself unprovoked, nay, even unruled, 
in the midst ^ of persecution, reproach, and all manner of 
abuse^ both of his persou.and name. . .But let his own 
works praise him. He now enjoys the fruits of his la- 

VOL. VI. T 



274 nsTifiir 09 mr. wcslbt's eHARAcreK. 

bonn, and that prhiae irhieh lie sought^ not of men^ bat of 
CM. 

^^ To fioish'the portrait. Examine the general tenor ef 
bis life, and it will be found self-eridently inoonsiilent with 
Ilia being'a slare toany one passion or pnisnit^ that ean fix 
a bltinish on bis character. Of what' use were the accnmit- 
latioU of wealth to him, who, through his whole conne, 
' nerer allowed himself to taste the repose of indolence, or 
eren <tf the ocmmion indulgence in the use of the necessaries 
of life. Free from the partiality of any party, the sketefaer 
of this excellent character, with afriaidly tear, pays it as« 
just tribute to the memory of so great and good a man, who^ 
when alive was his friend." 

The followii^, so fer as it goes, is an >accorate and beaUF* 
tifid picture of this extraorcMnary- man, drawn by Alexander 
Knox, fisq. 

^< Yery lately, I had an opportunity, for some days toge- 
ther, of obfierring Mr. Wesley with attention. I endea- 
voured to consider him, not so much with the eye <tf a 
friend, as with the impartiality of a philosopher: and I 
must declare, every hour I spent in his company, affinded 
me fresh reasons for esteem and veneration. So fine an (^ 
man I never- saw. The happiness of his mind, beamed foith 
in his countenance. Every look shewed how fully he en- 
joyed ^ The gay remembrance of a life well spent :* and 
wherever he went, he difl^ised a portion of his own felicity. 
Easy and afiabk in his demeanour, he accommodated him- 
self to evtsry sort of company, and shewed how happily the. 
most finished courtesy may be b\ended with the most perfect 
piety. In his conversation, we might be at a loss whether 
to admire most, his fine classical taste, his extensive know* 
ledge of men and things, or his overflowing goodness of 
heart. While the grave and serious were charmed with his 
wisdom, his sportive sallies of innocent mirth delighted even 
the young and thoughtless ; and both saw in his uninter- 
TUpted cheerfulness, the estcellency of true religion. No 
cynical remarks on the levity of youth, imlnttered his dis- 
eourse: na ajpplausive rrtraspedt to past times^ marked his 



BBVIEW OF ME. WESIiEy's CHAI14CT£B« 275. 

present disconteiit. In hiin, even old age appeared delight- 
fill, like an eyening without a cloud ; and it was impossibly 
to observe htm without wishing ferventtjr, . ^ May my latter 
end bis like his I' 

f ^ But I find myself unequal to the task of delineating 
audi a character. What* I have said, may to some appear^ 
as panegyric; but there f$xe nundbers, and those of taste and 
djsoemment too, who can bear witness to thetruth, though 
hf no means to the perfeotaeaa of the sketch I have aU 
tanj^ed. With such I have been frequently in his com- 
pa^r; and every one of thei[% I am persuaded, would 
sufascribe to all I havp said. For my own part, I never was 
so happy as while with him, and scarcely ever felt more 
poignant regret than at paiting from hint; for, well I kneWf 
^ I ne'er should look upon his like again*' " 

The following beautiful portrait of Mr. Wesley was drawa 
by a masterly hand. It fq[)peared soon after his death in a 
very respectaUe publication; and was afterwards inserted in 
Wopdiall's Diary, Lmdon, June 17, 1791. 

<^ His inde&t^gaUe jseal in the discharge of his duty has 
been bng witnessed by the woiid; hut, as mankind are not. 
always indined to put a generous construction on the: exer-. 
tions of singular talents, his motives were imputed tp the love 
oi popularity, ambition, and lucre. It now appears that he- 
was actuated by a disinterested regard to the immortal inte* 
nest of mankind. He laboured, and studied, and preach^t 
aod wrote, to propagate, what he believed to be the Gospel 
oC Christ. The intervals of these, engagements were^mployed 
^m governing and regulating the concems^ of his numerous, 
sodeties ; assisting the necessities, sdving the difficulties, 
aad soothing the afflictions of his hearers. He observed so 
rigid a temperance^ and allowed himself so little, repose, that 
]|e seamed to be above the infirmities of nature, and to act 
Independent of the earthly tenement he occupied. The rer 
dM of the occurrences of every day of his life would be the 
greatest encomium. 

^^ Had he loved wealth, he might have accumulate^ it^ 
without bounds. Hadhebeenfimlof pow^, hisinflii^p^ 

T2 



S76 REVIEW OF MR. WESLEY^S CHARACTER. 

would have been worth coartiflg by any party. I do not say 
he was without ambition ; he bad that which Christianity 
need not blqsh at, and which virtue is proud to confess. I 
do not mean, that which is gratified by splendour and large 
possessions ; but that which commands the hearts and afl^* 
tiqns, the homage and gratitude, of thousands. For him. 
they felt sentiments of veneration, only inferior to those 
which they paid to heaven : to him they looked as their 
father, their benefiu^tor, their guide to glory and immorta- 
lity ; for him they Mi prostrate before God, with prmyen 
and tears, to spare, his doom, and prolong his stay. Sudi a 
recompence' as this, is sufficient to repay the toik of the 
longest life. Short of this, greatness is contefnptible ippo* 
tence. Before this, lofty prdates bow, and princes hide 
their diminished heads. 

' ^^ His zeal was not a transient blaze, but a steady, and 
constant flame. The ardour of his spirit was neither damped 
by difficulty, nor subdued by age. This was ascribed by 
himself, to th^ power of divine grace ; by the world, to enthu- 
siasm. Be it what it will, it is what PhUosophers must envy, 
and Infidels respect ; it is that which gives energy to the soul, 
and without which there can be no greatness or heroism. 

<^ Why should we condemn that in religion, which we ap- 
plaud in every other profession and pursuit ? He had a vi- 
gour and elevation of mind, which nothing but the belief of 
the Divine favour and presence could inspire. This threw a 
lustre round his infirmities, changed his bed of sickness into 
a triumphal car, and made his exit resemble an apotheosis 
rather than a dissolution. 

<' He was qualified to excel in every branch of literature: 
he was well versed in the learned tongues, in Metaphysics, 
in Oratory, in Logic, in Criticism, and every requisite of a 
Christian minister. His style was nervous, clear, and manly; 
his preaching was pathetic and persuasive; his Journals are 
artless and interesting; and his compositions and compila<^ 
tions to promote knowledge and piety, were almost innume* 
rable. 

<< I do not say he was without fiiults, or above mistakes; 



ftfiviEW OF MR. Wesley's chahacter^ d77 

favt they were lost in the multitude ot his excellencies and 
virtues, 

'^ To gain the admiration of an ignorant and superstitious 
age, requires only a little artifice and address; to stand the 
test of these times, when all pr^ntions to sanctify are stig- 
matiseed as hypocrisy, is a proof of genuine piety, and real 
usefulness. His great object was, to revive the obsolete 
doctrines, and extinguished spirit of the Church of England ; 
and they, who are its friends, cannot be his enemies. Yet for 
this he was treated as a fanatic and impostor, and exposed 
to every species of slander and persecution. Even Bishops 
and Dignitaries entered the lists against him; but he never 
declined the combat, and generally proved victorious. He 
appealed to the Homilies, the Articles, and the Scriptures, 
as vouchers for his doctrine ; and they who could not de* 
cide upon the merits of the controversy, were witnesses of 
the effects o^ his labours ; and they judged of the tree by its 
fruit. It is true, he did not succeed much in the higher walks 
of life ; but that impeached his cause no more, . than it did 
that of the first planters of the gospel. However,- if he bad 
been capable of assuming vanity on that score, he might have 
ranked among his friends some persons of the first distinction, 
who would have done honour to any party. After surviving 
almost all his adversaries, and acquiring respect among 
those who were the most distant from his principles, he lived 
to see the plant he had reared, spreading its branches fiir 
and wide, and inviting not only these kingdoms, but the 
Western world, to repose under its shade. No sect, since 
the first ages of Christianity, could boast a founder of such 
extensive talents and endowments. If he, had been a can- 
didate for literary fame, he might have succeeded to his ut- 
most wishes ; but he sought not the praise of m^n ; he 
regarded learning only as the instrument of usefulness. The 
great purpose of his life was doing good. For this he re- 
linquished all honour and preferment ; to this he dedicated 
all his powers of body and mind ; at all times and in all 
places, in season and out of seascm, by gentleness, by terror, 
by argument, by p^nsuasion, by reason, by interest, by every 



378 IIETIBW OF MR. WESLEY^S CHARACTER. 

motive and every inducement, he'sbrove with unwearied af« 
siduit J, to turn men from the error of their ways, and awaken 
them to virtue and religion. To the bed of sickoess, or the 
couch of prosperity; to the prison, the hospital, the house 
of mourning, or the house of feasting, wherever there was a 
friend to serve, or a soul to save, he readily repaited ; to 
administer assistance or advice, reproof <nr consolation; He 
thought no office too humiliiUiBg, no condescension too low, 
no undertaking too arduous, to ledaim the meanest of God's 
offipring. The souls <^ all men were equally precioiis in his 
sight, and the value of an immortal creature beyond all es- 
timation. He penetrated the abodes of wretchedness and 
ignorance, to rescue the profligate from perdition ; and be 
communicated the light of life to those who sat in darkness 
and the shadow of death. He changed the outcasts of so- 
ciety into useful members; civilized even ^vages, and 
filled those lips with prayer :and praise, that had bec^ ac- 
customed ohly to oathsw and imprecations. But as the 
strongest religious impressions are apt to become languid, 
without discipline and practice, he divided his people into 
cesses and bands, according to their attainments. He ap- 
pointed frequent meetings for prayer and conversaticm, 
where they gave an account of their experience, their hopes 
and fears, their joys and troubles; by which means thqr 
were united to each Other, and to their common profession. 
They became centinels upon each other's conduct, and se* 
curities for each other*s character. Thus the seeds he 
sowed sprang up and flourished, bearing the rich fruits <tf 
every grace and virtue. Thus he governed and preserved 
bis numerous societies, watching their improvement with 
a paternal care, and encouraging them to be fiufhful to 
the end.. 

.^' But I will not attempt to draw his full character, ncnr 
to estimate the extent of his labours and services. They will 
be best known when be shall deliv^ up his commission into 
the bands of his great Master." ' 

The following description of Mr. Wedey's person, will be 
agreeaUe to most read^s now i and certainly will be more 



AEVIEW OP MR. WESLET's CHARACTER. S79 

90, vfhen those wbo personally knew him are removed to 
their eternal habitations, 

^< The figure of Mr, Wesley was remarkable. Hb stature 
was lo'v^ : his habit of body in every period of life, the re- 
verse of corpulent, and expressive of strict temperance, and 
continual exercise ; and, notwithstanding his small size, his 
step was firm, and his appearance, till within a few yeard 
i£ his death, vigorous and.jQAUscular. His face, for an old 
man, was one of the finest we have seen. A clear, smooth 
forehead ; an aqutUne: ]i09e ; an eye, flie lirighiett iuid inost 
piercing that can be concdved ; and a freshness of com- 
plexion, scarcely ever to be found at his years ; and, im- 
pressive of the most peid^ h^l^^9 conspiied to render him 
a venerable and interesting figure. Few have seen him 
without being struck with his appearance : and many, who 
had been greatly prejudiced against him, have been known 
to change their opinion the moment they were introduced 
into his presence. In his countenance and demeanour, there 
was a cheerfulness mingled with gi^vfty ; li sprightliness, 
which was the natural ranilt of amuniaiial flow dfv^irits, 
and yet was ax^eooil^aiiad with every markof the«aQ6t«erene 
traoquillilgr. His aApeot^ particulavly in psofile, had astnmg 
4diaracter of aooteness-aiid.penelratioD. • 
. *f ladressy hewaaapatti^rnof matneai and sunj^ictty. 
A wnow plaited stock ; a coat^wJIha^BttaU upright cdilaor; 
tso buckles at his knees^: na silk or velvet in any part of his 
apparel; and a head as white .as snow* gave an ideaof teme^ 
thing primitive. and apostolic ; while an air of^ neatness and 
itoiiliii€iB» was diffnaed over hia whole pen^ 



» 



>l-<» 



pi;ain account 

or nn 

PEOPLE CALLED METHODISTS, 



nf A LKTTXR TO 



THE REV. MR. PERRONET, 

Ficar 4if Shorekamf Keni. 



Rev* and Dear Sir, : ; 

1. SOME time since you desired an account of the ^bofe 
economy of the people commonly called Methoditfts. And 
you received a true, (as far as it went) but not a full accoont. 
To supply what I think was wanting in that, 1= send you 
thisacpount; that you may know not only their {Hactioe^ 
on every head, but likewise the reasons whereon it is 
grounded ; the occasion' of every step they have taken, and 
the ad vantages, reaped thereby^ • 

2. . But I must premise^ that, as they had not the. kCMt 
expectation at £rst, <>f any thing like what has since Mlow« 
ed, so they had no previous design or plan at all, but every 
thing arose just as the occasion offered. They saw or felt 
some impending or pressing evil, or some good end neces- 
sary to be pursued. And many times they fell, unawares, 
on the very thing, which secured the good or removed the 
evil. At other times, they consulted on the most probable 
means, following only common sense and Scripture: 
though they generally found, in looking back, something 
in Christian antiquity likewise, very nearly parallel thereto. 



A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE METHODISTS. SSI 

I. 1. About ten years ago, (this was written in the year 
1748), my brother and I were desired to preach in many 
parts of London. We had no view therein, bat so far as we 
were aUe, (and we knew God could work by whomsoever it 
pleased him) to convince those who would hear what true 
Christianity was, and to persuade them to embrace it. 

S. The points we chiefly insisted upon were four : first, 
that orthodoxy or right opihions is, at best, but a very 
slender part of religion, if it can be allowed to be any part 
of it at all: that, neither does religion consist in negatives,' 
in bare harmlessness of any kind ; nor merely in externals, 
or doing gockl, or using the means of grace, in works of 
piety, so called, or of charity : that it is nothing short of, 
or different from, the mind that was in Christ, the image of 
God stamped upon the heart, inward righteousness, attended 
with the peace of God, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Se- 
condly, that the only way, uiider heaven, to this religion, 
is, to repent and believe the gospel, or, as the Apostle words 
it, ^* repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus 
Christ." Thirdly, that by this faith, << He that worketh not, 
but believeth on him that justified the ungodly, is justified 
freely by his grace, through the redemption which is in 
Jesus Christ. " And lasfly , '^^ that being justified by faith", we 
taste of the heaven to which we are going: we are holy and 
happy: we tread down sin and fear, and ^< sit in heavenly 
places with Christ Jesus." 

3. Many of those who hefird this, be^an to cry out, that 
we brotfght strange things to their ears : that this was doc* 
trine which they never heard before, or, • at least, never re- 
garded. They searched the Scriptures, whether these things 
were so, and acknowledged the truth as it is in Jesus. Their 
hearts also were influenced as well as their understandings, 
and they determined to follow Jesus Christ, and him cru-* 
cified. 

i. Immediately they were surrounded with difficulties : 
all tlie world rose iip against them : neighbours, stnihger^, 
acquaintance, relatibns^ friends, began tb cry out amain ; 



289 A FLAnr account of the iiBTappitrs. 

^^ Be not righteoiU overmuch : why shouUest thou destroy 
thyself? Let not much religion make thee mad." 

5. One and another and another came to us, asking, what 
they should do ? Being distressed on every side, a|, every 
one strove to weaken, and none to strengthen their hands in 
God ; we advised them, ^^ Strengthen you one anothar. 
Talk together as often as you can. And pray earnestly, 
with and for one another, that you may endure io the end, 
and be saved.'* Against this advice we presum^ them 
could be no objection ; as being grounded on the plainest 
reason, and on so many scriptures, both of the Okl Testa* 
ment and the New, that it would be tedious to redle 
them. 

6. They said, '^ But we want you likewise to talk with 
us often, to direct and quicken us in our way, to give us 
th6 advices which you well know we need, and to piay with 
us as well as for us.'' I asked, which of you< desire this2 
Let me know your names and places of abode. They did 
so. But I soon fi>und they were too mangr for me . to .talt; 
with severally so often as they wanted it: so I told ihw^ 
^^ If you will all of you come together, every Thufsday, in 
the evening, I will s^Uidly spend some tune wUh you in 
prayer, and give you the best advice I can«" 

7. Thus arose,, without any previous design on eithq 
nde, what was afterwards called, ^^ A Society :" . a vegr 
innocait name, and very common in London, for any nnm« 
ber c^ peq[de associating themselves together. The thmg 
proposed in their associating themselves together was ob- 
vious to every one. They wanted to flee.fiom the wrath to 
oome, and to assist each other in so doing. They therefore 
united themselv^, << in order to pray together, io receive 
the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in 
love, that they might hdp each other to work out their sal- 
vation." 

. & . 'f There is one only condition prevuNislyrequiied, in 
those who desire admission into this society, 'A desire to 
flf^ ftrom the imiji to.come, to be saved firom ttieir sins.^ 



» 9> 



A VIrAlir ,A€COmiT 01t THB HBTKOOintw 183 



/ 



They now likewise agreed, tliat as many of tbem as had 
an opportunity, would meet together eveiy Friday, and 
spend the dinner honr in crying to God, i>oth for each other^ 
and fos all mankind. 

9. It quickly appeared, that their thns uniting tf^etber, 
answered the end proposed therein. In a few months the 
far greater part of those who had begon to fear God, and 
work righteousness, but were not united together, grew 
fiiint in their minds, and Ml back into what they -were be* 
fore. Mean while tiie far greater part of those, wha weiie 
thuis united together, continued ^< striving to enter in at the 
strait gate, and to lay hoU on*etemal life**' 

10. Upon reflection, I could not but observe, this is f the 
very thing which was ftom the b^^imiing of Chrkttaftily. 
In the earliest times, tinose whom God bad sent fbttb, 
preached the gost>el to every ereature. ' And the ut^mnqunm^ 
the body of hearers,' w^ mostly either Jews or Heathens; 
But as soon aij any of these wer^ so convinced of the trattii 
as to forsake sin and ^seek the gospel salvation, (hey imine« 
diately: joined- thedi •togetfaer^'toole'-an account ^f^'ttfisiir 
naimes, advised them: to watch •vep^ each othii^' aiidt'UiiBl 
these ktttnys'iiittwi (Ciitfehttmens, as ihey were than wiled) 
apart from the grM eongr^gattoii,'<that they might lustmcti 
lebnke^ eihort^ and pray ^tH them/ and for thaii^i iMSCotd* 
ing to their several uetieiMtlies. . r :,' 

11. But it ^as not long bbfo«e an objection was iiia& to 
this, which had not once entered into my tho^bgfatSk ik' not 
this making a silhirai ? Is not the joining these^peopie tbge^ 
ther, gathering chuivhes out of chuririieif 

It was easily answered ;' if youtnean otfy gntheriligi peo^ 
1^ out of buildings called chnichei^ lit id. Bot^if you nsRO^ 
dividing Christiaiiv from Christians, and so destroying Chris- 
tian fellowship, it is Mt. For, 1, These wete noi Ohiistiana 
before they were thu» joined. Most of them were barefeced 
^Beathens. 9, Ndther are they Gbristiatts fiom whom you 
Sttppose them to^bp' divided^ ^! '¥iiu>will not hik me in the 
face^nd ^y they tm. Whatf^ Dllimktti'Cbristteii? Cnw 
ing and swearing Christians ? Lying Christians ? Cheating 



9M A '^LAIll ACCOVHT OF THk MBTHdHim; 

Christians? If these are Christians at all, they are devil 
Christians, as the poor Malabarians term there. 3, Neither 
are they divided any more than (hey urere before, even from 
these wretched deyil Christians: they are as ready as' ever 
to assist them, and to perform every office of real kindness 
toward them. 4, If i{ .be said, ^^ But there ar^ some tme 
Chiriatians in the parish, and you destroy the Christian fet 
lowsbip between these and them." I answer, that which 
never existed cannot be destroyed : but the. fellowship yoU 
speak of never existed, therefore it cannot be destrojred. 
Which of those true Christians had any such fellowship 
with these? Who watched over Uiem in love? Who mark* 
ed their growth in grace ? Who advised and exhorted Hiiem 
froin time to time ? Who prayed with them and for ihem as 
they had need ? This, and this alone, is Christian fellow-' 
^ip: but, alas! Where is it to be found? Look east or wert, 
liorth or south : name what parish you plcSase. Is this 
Christian fellowship thene ? Rather, are not the bulk of the 
parishioners a mere rope of sand ? What .Christian cen* 
liexion is there between them ? What intorcM^urse^in spiritaal 
things^ What watching over each other's souls ? Whal 
bearing of one another's burdens ? What a mere jest is it 
then to talk so gravely <^ destroying- what never was ! -The 
real truth is just the reverse of this : we iHtrodaeed Christian 
fellowship whefe it was uiterly dsstroyed. And the fruits 
of it have been peace, joy, love, and zeal for every .good 
word 'and work. 

IL 1. But as much' as we endeavoured to watch over 
each other, we soon found some who did not live the gospel. 
I'do not know that any hypocrites were crept in; for, in- 
deed, tbefe.wai^ no. temptation.: but several grew cold, and 
gave way to the sins which, had long easily beset them : we 
quidkly perceived^ there, were many ill con^uences of suf-' 
fering these to remain among us ; it was dangerous to oth^ns, 
inasmuch as aU sin is of an infectious nature; it brought 
such a scaqdal on their brethren, as exposed them to what 
wi9.'not fft&peAy the reproach of Christ ; it laid a stumb- 

-;■•'• >;i ^ '■■•.; , "v \ • '■.*■' 



A PLAIN ACCOVKT OF TUB MBTHODIfTS. 9B5 

ling-block in the way of others, and caused the truth to be 
evil spoken of. 

S. We groaned under those inconveniences long before a 
remedy could be found. The people were scattered so wide, 
in all parts of the town, from Wappin^ to Westminster, 
that I could not easily see what the behaviour of each per* 
son in his own neighbourhood was ; so that several dis- 
orderly walkers did much hurt before I was apprized 
pfit. 

3. At length, while we were thinking of quite another 
thing, we struck upon a method for which we have had 
cause to bless God ever since. I was talking with sev^al of 
the society in Bristol concerning the means of paying the 
debts there, when one stood up and said, ^^ Let every mem- 
ber of the society give a penny a week till all are paid." 
Another answered, ^^ But many of them are poor, and can- 
not afford to do it.*' « Then," said he, " Put eleven of the 
poorest with me^ and if they can give anything, well: I 
will call on them weekly ; and, if they can give nothing, I 
will give for them as wdl as for myself: and each of you 
call on eleven of your neighbours weekly ; receive what they 
give, and make up what is wanting." It was done. In 
awhile some of thes^ informed kne, ^^ they found such and 
such a one did not live as he ought." It struck me imme- 
diately, << This is the thing, the very thing we have wanted 
so long." I called together all the leaders of the classes, 
(so we tised to term them and their companies), and desired, 
that each would make a particular enquiry into the beha- 
viour of those whmn he saw weekly ; they did so : many 
disorderly walkers were detected ; some turned from tiie 
evil of their ways : some were pat away from us : many saw 
it with fear, and rejoiced unto God with reverence. 

4u As soon as possible the same method was used in Lon-^ 
don and all other places. Evil men were detected^ and re- 
proved : they were borne with for a season : if they forsook 
their sins we received them gladly : if they obstinately per- 
sisted therein, it was i^ienly declared, that they were not of 
Hs. The rest mourned and prayed for them, and yet re- 



SB6 ▲ MAiir A€m;ount of the mbthobhts* 

joioedy tibat •$ far as in us hji the scandal was roUed uimy 
from the society. 

5. It is the basioeBS of a leader^ 

I. To see each person in his class, once a week at the' 

least; in order, 
To enquire how their souls prosper; 
~ To advise, reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may 
■ require ; 
To receive what they are willing to give towards the re*' 
lief of the poor. 

II. To meet the minister and the stewards of the society, 

in order. 
To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that 

are disorderly, and will not be reproved. 
To pay to the stewards what they have received of their 

several classes in the week preoediilg. 

6. At first they visited each, person at his own house ; but 
this was soaa found not so expedient ; and that on nuuQr 
accounts : 1, It took up more time than most of the feados 
had to spare. 2, Many persons lived with masters, mis- 
tresses, or relations, who would not suffeic them to be thus 
visited. 3, At the houses of those w4io were not so averse 
they often ha4 no opportunity of speaking to them but in 
company : and this; did not at all answer the end proposed, 
of exhorting, comforting, or reproving. 4, It frequently 
happened, that one affirmed what another denied ; and this 
could not: he cleared without seeing them together. 6, Uttb 
misunderstandings and quarrels,. of various kinds, frequently 
arose among relations or neighbours ; effectually to reamove 
which it was needful to see them all face to face. Upon aU 
these considerations it was agreed, that those of each class 

.should meet all together : and, by this mean, a more full 
inquiry was made into the behayious of eveiy penMMu 
Those who could not be visited at home, or no otherwise 
than in company, had the same, advantage with <rthers. 
Advice or reproof was given as need required ; quarrds 
made up, misfmderstanding^k rcmved : and, after an houc 



A FZiAIN ACCOUKT OF THE IfBTUODISTB. 387 

or two spent in this labour of love, they coBcluded with 
prayer and thanksgiving. 

7. It can scarcely be conceived what advantages have 
been reaped from this little prudential regulation. Many 
now happily experienced that Christian fellowship, of which 
they had not so much as an idea befofe. They began to 
bear one another's burdens, and naturally to care for each 
other. As they had daily a more intimate acquaintance 
with, so they had a more endeared affection for each other. 
And << speaking the truth in love, they grew up into him 
in all things, who is the Head, even Christ : from whom 
the whole body, fitly joined together, and compacted by 
that which every joint supplied, according to the effectual 
working in the measure of every part, increased unto the 
edifying of itself into love." 

8. But notwithstanding all these advantages, many were, 
at first, extremely averse to meeting thus. Some, viewing tt 
in a wrong point of light, not as a privilege, (indeed an in« 
valuable one) but rather a restraint, disliked it on that ac« 
count, because they did not love to be restrained in any 
thing. Some were ashamed to speak before company ; 
others honestly said, ^^ I do not know wliy, but I do not 
like it." 

9» Some objected, ^^ There were no such meetings when 
I came into the society first : and why should there now i 
I do not undostand these things, and thb changing one 
thing after another continually." It was easily iinswered. 
It it a ^ty but they had been at first : but we knew not 
then either the need or the benefit of them. Why we 
Uie them you wiU readily understand if you read over the 
Rules of the Society. That with regard to these little pru^ 
dential helps we are continually changing one thing after 
another, is not a weakness or fitult, (as you imagine) but a 
peculiar adviuitage which we enjoy. By this means we de- 
daie them all to be merely prudential ; not essential, not of 
divine instituticHi. We. prevent so far as in us lies, our 
growing fiNrmal or deodw We am always open to jnstruc* 



S88 A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THB METHODISTS. 

tion : willing to be wiser every day than we were befiNre, 
and to change whatever we can change for the better. 

10. Another objection was, ^^ There is no Scripture for 
this, for classes, and I know not what/' I answer, 1, There 
is.no Scripture against it: you cannot shew one text that 
forbids them. 2, There is much Scripture for it, even all 
those texts which enjoin the substance of those various du- 
ties, whereof this is only an indifferent circumstance, to be 
determined by reason and experience. 3, You seem not to 
liave observed, that the Scripture, in most points, gives only 
general rules, and leaves the particular circumstances to be 
adjusted, by the common sense of mankind. The Scripture 
(for instance) gives that general rule, ^^ Let all things be 
done decently and in order." But common sense is to de- 
termine, on particular occasions, what order and decency 
require. So, in another instance, the Scripture lays it down, 
as a general, standing direction, ^* Whether ye eat, or drink, 
or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." But it 
is common prudence which is to make the application of 
this, in a thousand particular cases. 

11. " But these,*' said another, " are all man's inven- 
tions." This is but the same objection in another form: 
and the same answer will suffice for any reasonable perscm. 
These are men's inventions : and what then ? That is, they 
are methods, which men have found, by reason and com- 
mon sense, for the more effectually applying several Scrip- 
ture rules, couched in general terms, to particular occa- 
sions. 

' 13. They spoke far more plausibly than these, who said, 
^^ The thing is well enough in itself: but the leaders are in- 
sufficient for the work : they have neither gifts nor grace 
for such an employment." I answer, 1, Yet such leaders as 
they are, it is plain God has blessed their labour. S, If 
any of these be remarkably wanting in gifts or grace, he is 
soon taken notice of and removed. 3, If you know any 
such, tell it to me, not to others, and I will endeavour to ex- 
change him for a better. 4, It may be hoped, they will all 
be better than they are, both by experience and observation, 



A PLAIN ACCOUNT OP THE METHODISTS. 289 

' and by the advices given them by the minister every Tues- 
day night, and the prayers (then in particular) offered up 
for them. 

III. 1, About this time I was informed that several per- 
sons in Kingswood, frequently met together at the school, and 
(When they could spare the time) spent the greater part of the 
night in prayer, and praise, and thanksgiving. Some advised 
me to put an end to this : but, upon weighing the thing tho- 
roughly, and comparing it with the practice of the ancient 
Christians, I could see no cause to forbid it : rather I believ- 
ed it might be made of more general use. So I sent them 
"vlrord, I designed to watch with them, on the Friday nearest 
the full moon, that we might have light thither and back 
again. I gave public notice of this the Sunday before, and 
withal, that I intended to preach ; desiring they, and they 
only, would meet me there, who could do it without preju- 
dice to their business or families. On Friday, abundance of 
people came. I began preaching between eight and nine, 
and we continued till a little beyond the noon of nighty 
singing, praying, and praising God. 

S, This we have continued to do once a month * ever 
since, in Bristol, London, and Newcastle, as well as Kings- 
wood: and exceedingly great are the blessings we have 
found therein : it has generally been an extremely solemn 
season ; when the word of God sunk deep into the hearts, 
even of those who till then knew him not. If it be said, 
'^ This was only owing to the novelty of the thing (the cir- 
cumstance which still draws such multitudes together at 
those seasons) or perhaps to the awful silence of the night.'' 
I am not careful to answer in this matter. Be it so : how- 
ever, the impression then made on many souls has never 
since been efiaced. Now, allowing that God did make use 
tither of the novelty, or any other indiffisrent circunistance, 
in order to bring sinners to repentance, yet they are brought : 
and herein let us rejoice together. 
3, Now^ may I not put the case farther yet ? If I can 



* Hie watch-oiflits were theo kept monUily. 

VOL. VI. U 



290 A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE METHODISTS. 

probably conjecture, that either by the novelty of this ancienl. 
custom, or by any other indifferent circumstance, it is in 
my power to ^^ save a soul from death, and hide a multitude 
of sins :" Am I clear before Grod if I do not ? If I do 
not snatch that brand out of the burning ? 
^ IV. 1, As the society increased, I found it required still 
greater care to separate the precious from the vile. In order 
to this I determined, at least once in three months, to talk 
with every member myself, and to enquire, at their own 
mouths, as well as of their leaders and neighbours, whether 
they grew in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus 
Christ ? At these seasons I likewise particularly enquire, 
whether there be any misunderstanding or differences among 
them, that every hindrance of peace and brotherly love 
may be taken out of the way. 

3, To each of those, of whose seriousness and good con- 
versation I found no reason to doubt, I gave a testimony un- 
der my own hand, by writing the name of each on a ticket 
prepared for that purpose : every ticket implying as strong a 
recommendation of the person to whom it is given, as if I 
wrote at length, " I believe the bearer hereof to be one that 
fears God and works righteousness." 

3, Those who bore these tickets (these Sy/xCoXat, or Tes- 
sercdy as the ancients termed them : being of just the same 
force with the ggriyoXai (juffrariKou^ Commendatory Letters 
mentioned by the Apostle) wherever they came, were ac- 
knowledged by their brethren, and received with all cheer- 
fulness. These were likewise of use in other respects, fiy 
these it was easily distinguished when the society were to 
meet a-part, wlio were members of it and who not. These 
also supplied us with a quiet and inoffensive method of re- 
moving any disorderly member. He has no new ticket at 
the quarterly visitation ; (for so often the tickets are chang- 
ed) and hereby it is immediately known that he is no longer 
of the community. 

v. The thing which I was greatly afraid of all this time, 
and which I resolved to use every possible method of pre- 
venting, wai^, a narrowness of spirit^ a party-zeal^ a being 



A PLAIN ACCOUNT O]^ THE ifETHOBtSTS. 291 

straitened in our own bowels t that miserable bigotry, 
i¥hicli makes many so unready to believe th^t there is any 
work of God but among themselves. % I thought it might be 
a help against this, frequently to read the accounts I receiv- 
ed from time to time of the work which God is carrying on 
in the earth, both in our own and other countries, not among 
us alone, but among those of various opinions and denomi- 
nations. For this I allotted one evening in every month. 
And I find no cause tOv repent of my labour. It is generally a 
time of strong consolation to those who love God, and all 
mankind for his sake : as well as of breaking down the par- 
tition walls, which either the craft of the ,devil, or the folly 
of man has built up ; and of encouraging every child of 
God to say, (O When shall it once be ?) " Whosoever doth 
the will of my Father which is in heaven^ the same is my 
brother, and sister, and mother." 

VI. 1. By the blessing of God upon their endeavours to 
help one another, many found the pearl of great price. Being 
justified by faith, they had peace with God through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. These felt a more tender afifection than before for 
those who were partakers of like precious faith : and hence 
arose such a confidence in each other, that they poured out 
their souls into each other's bosom. Indeed they had great 
need so to do ; for the war was not over, as they had suppos-^ 
ed : but they had still to wrestle both with flesh and blood, and 
with principalities and powers : so that temptations were on 
every side : and often temptations of such a kind as they 
knew not how to speak of in a class ; in which persons of 
every sort, young and old, men and women, met together. 

2. These, therefore, wanted some means of closet union : 
ihey wanted to pour out their hearts without reserve^ par- 
ticularly with regard to the 'sin which did still easily beset 
them, and the temptations which were most apt to prevail 
over them : and they were more desirous of this when they 
observed it was the express advice of an inspiied writer^ 
^^ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for an- 
other, that ye may be healed." 

Si In compliance with their desire, I divided .them into 

• U2 



S9S A PliAIir ACCOUNT OP THB METHODI8TB. 

smaller companies; putting married or single men, and iiua> 
ried and single women together. The chief rales of these 
Bands, (i. e. little compani^ ; so the old English word sig- 
nifies) run thus : 

In order to confess our faults one to another, and praj 
one for another, that we may be healed, we intend^ 
. 1. To meet once a week, at the least ; 
. 2« l^o coniie punctually at the hour appointed ; 
, 3. To begin with nnging or prayer ; 

4. To speak each of us in order, freely and plainly, the 
true state of our souls, with the fiiults we have com<« 
mitted in thought, word, or deed, and the iemptationf 
we have felt since our last meeting ; 

5. To desire some person among us (thence called a 
leader) to speak his own state first, and then io ask the 
rest in order, as many and as searching questions as 
may be, concerning flieir state, sins, and temptations. 

4. That their design in meeting might be the more efl^ 
tually answered, I desired all the men-bands io meet tcf^e* 
ther every Wednesday evening, and the women on Sunday; 
that they might receive such particular instructions and 
exhortations, as from time to time might appear to be most 
needful for them : that such prayers might be ofiered up to 
Grod as their necessities should require : and praise returned 
to the Giver of every good gift, for whatever mercies they 
had received. 

5. In order to increase in them a grateful sense of all his 
mercies, I desired that one evening in a quarter, all the men 
in bsiXkd ; on a second, all the women would meet ; and on 
a third, both men and women togeth^ ; that we might toge- 
ther eat bread (as the ancient Christians did) with gladness 
and singleness of heart. At these love-feasts (so we tarmed 
them, retaining the name, as well as the thing, which was in 
use from the b^inning) our food is only a little plain cake 
and water : but we seldom return from them without being 
fed not only with the meat which perisheth, but with that 
which endureth to everlasting life. 

6. Great and many are the advantages whidi have ever 



A iPLAIK ACCOUNT OF THE METHODISTS. £93 

since flowed from this closer union of the believers with 
each other. They prayed for one another, that they might 
be healed of the faults they had confessed : and it was so. 
The chains w^e broken, the bands were burst asunder, and 
sin had no more dominion over them. Many were deliver- 
ed from the temptations, out of which till then they found 
no way to escape. They were built up in their most holy 
jaith. They rejoiced in the Lord more abundantly. They 
were strengthened in love, imd more effectually provoked 
to abound in every good work. 

7. But it was soon objected to the bands (as to the classes 
before) ^^ These were not at first: there is no scripture for 
them : these are man's works, man's building, man's inven- 
tion." I replied as before, these are also prudential helps, 
grounded on reason and experience, in order to apply the 
general rules given in Scripture, according to particular cir* 
cumstances. 

8. An objection more boldly and frequently urged is, that 
^^ all these bands are mere Popery •** I hope I need, not 
pass a harder censure on those (most of them at least) who 
affirm this, than that they talk of they know not whtft^ that 
they betray in themselves the most gross and shameful igno- 
rance. Do not they yet know, that the only Popish confes- 
sion is, the confession made by a single person to a priest ? 
(And this itself is in no wise condemned by our Church ; 
nay, she recommends it in some cases) whereas, that which 
we practice is the confession of several persons conjointly, 
not tjo a priest, but to each other : consequently it has no 
analogy at all to Popish confession. But the truth is, this 
is a stale objection, which many people make against any 
thing they do not like. It is all Popery out of hand. 

YII. 1. And yet while most of these who were thus inti- 
mately joined together, went on daily from faith to fitith ; 
some fell from the feith, either all at once, by falling into 
Icnown, wilful sin : or gradually, and almost insensibly, by 
giving way^ in what they caUed little things, by sins of 
omission, by yielding to heart sins, or by not watching unto 
pn^er. The exhortations and prayers used among the 



S94 A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE METHOBI0T8. 

lielieyers, did no longer profit these. They wanted ftdyice 
and instruction suited to their case : which as soon as I ob« 
9erved, I separated them from the rest, and desired them tt» 
meet me a-part on Saturday evenings. 
. S. At this hour, all the hymns, exhortations, and players, 
are adapted to their circumstances : being wholly suited to 
those who did see God, but have now lost the light of his 
countenance, and who mourn after him, and refuse to be com- 
fortied till they know he has healed all their backslidings. 

3. By applying both the threats and promises of Grod to 
these real (not nominal) penitents, and by crying to God in 
their behalf, we endeavoured to bring them back to the 
great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls : not by any of 
the fopperies of the Roman Church, althougii, in some 
measure, countenanced by antiquity. In prescribing hair- 
shirts and bodily austerities, we durst not follow even the an- 
cient Church : although we had unawares, both in dividing* 
ot grtfot the believers from the rest of the society, and in se- 
parating the penitents from them, and appointing a peculiar 
service for them. 

VIII. 1. Many of these soon recovered the ground they 
had lost : yea, they rose the higher for their fell, being 
more watchful than ever, and more meek and lowly, as well 
as stronger in the faith that worketh by love. They now 
out-ran the greater part of their brethren, continually walk- 
ing in the light of God, and having fellowship with the 
Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 

2. I saw it might be useful to give some advices to all 
those who thus continued in the light of God's countenance, 
which the rest of their brethren did not want, and probably 
could not receive. So I desired a small number of such as 
appeared to be in this state, to spend an hour with me every 
Monday morning. My design was, not only to direct them 
how to press after perfection, to exercise their every grace, 
and improve every talent they had received, and to. incite 
them to love one another more, and to watch more carefully 
over each other ; but also to have a select company, to 
whom I might unbosom myself on all occasions^ without re- 



A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE METHODISTS.^ S95 

serve ; and whom I could propose to all tfieir brethren as 
patterns of love, of holiness, and of all good'Vorfcs. 

3. They had no need of being incumbered with many 
rules, having the best rule of all in their hearts. No pecu- 
liar directions were therefore given to them, excepting only 
these three : 

First, Let nothing spoken in this society be spoken again. 

(Hereby we had the more full confidence in eabh 

other.) 
Secondly, Every member agrees to submit to his minister 

in all indifferent things. 
Thirdly, Every member will bring, once a week, all he 

can spare toward a common stock. 

4. Every one here has an equal liberty of speaking, there 
being none greater or less than another. I could say freely 
to these, when they were met together, " Ye may all pro- 
phesy one by one, (taking that word in its lower sense,) 
that all may lewrn, and all may be comforted. ''^ And" I often 
found the advantage of such a free conversation, and that 
^^ in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." And 
who is inclined so to do, is likewise encouraged to pour out 
his soul to God. And here especially we have found, that 
the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth 
much. 

IX. 1. This is the plainest and clearest account I can 
give of the people commonly called Methodists. It remains 
only to give you a short account of those who serve their 
brethren in love. There are leaders of classes and bands, 
(spoken of before), assistants, stewards, visiters of the sick, 
and school-masters. 

2. In the third part of the Appeal I have mentioned how 
we were led to accept of lay-assistants : their office is, in 
the absence of the minister, 

1. To expound every morning and evening. 

2. To meet the united society, the bands, the select so- 
ciety, and the penitents, once a week. 

3. To visit the classes once a quarter. 

4. To hear and decide all differences. 



996 A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE MBTHODI8T8. 

5. To put the disorderly back on trial, and to receiye on 
tirial for the bands or society. 

6. To see that the stewards, the leaders, and the school- 
masters faithfully dischaige their several offices. 

7. To meet the leaders of the bands and classes weekly, 
and the stewards, and to overlook their accounts. 

X. 1. But, long before this, I felt the weight of ^^ far 
different care, namely, care of temporal things." The quar- 
terly subscriptions amounted, at a mean computation, to 
above three hundred pounds a year. Thb was to be laid 
out, partly in repairs, partly in other necessary expenoes, 
and partly in paying debts. The weekly contributions ftU 
little short of eight pounds a week, which was to be distri- 
buted as every one had need : and I was expected to take 
thought for all these things, but it was a burden I was not 
able to bear; so I chose out first one, then four, and after a 
time, seven as prudent men as I knew, and desired them to 
take the charge of these things upon themselves, that I 
might have no incumbrance of this kind. 
8. The business of these stewards is. 

To manage the temporal things of the socirty ; 

To receive the subscriptions and contributions; 

To expend what is needful from time to time; 

.To send relief to the poor; 

To keep an exact account of all receipts and expences ; 

To inform the minister if any of the rules of the society 
are not punctually observed; 

To tell the preachers, in love, if they think any thing 
amiss, either in their doctrine or life. 
3. The rules of the stewards are, 

1. Be frugal Save every thing that can be saved 
honestly. 

S. Spend no more than you receive. Contract no debts. 
S. Have no long accounts. Pay every thing within the 
week. 

4. Give none that asks relief, either an ill word or an ill 
look. Do not hurt, if you cannot help them. 

5. Expect no thanks from man. 



A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE MBTHODItTS. 997 

4. They met together at six every Thursday momiog : 
consulted on the business which came befiore them : sent re- 
lief to the sick, as every one had need, and gave the re>- 
mainder of what had been ccmtributed each week, to those 
who appeared to be in the most pressing want ; so that all 
W9S concluded within |;he week ; what was brought on Tues- 
day being constantly expended on Thursday. I soon had 
the pleasure to find, that all these temporal things were done 
with the utmost faithfulness and exactness: so that my 
9Bxes of this kind were at an end. I had only to revise the 
accounts, to tdl them, if I thought any thing might be 
amended, and to consult how deficiences might be sup^ied 
from time to time ; for thege were frequent and large, (so far 
were we from abundance) the income by no means answer<> 
ing the expences : but, that we might noi faint, sometimes 
we had unforeseen helps, in times <^ the greatest perplexity : 
at other times, we borrowed larger or smaller sums, of which 
the greatest part has since been repaid ; but I owe some 
hundreds of pounds to this day. So much have I gained 
by preaching the gospel ! 

XL 1. But it was not long before the stewards found a 
great difficulty, mth regard to the sick : some were ready 
to perish before they knew of their illness : and when they 
did know, it was not in their power, (being persons g^ie* 
rally employed in trade) to visit them so often as they 
desired. 

2. When I was apprized of this, I laid the case at laige 
before Uie whole society ; shewed, how impossible it wias, 
for the stewards to attend. all that were sick in all parts of 
the town ; desired the leaders of classes would mo|re care- 
folly enquire, and more constantly inform them, who were 
sick ; and asked, ^^ Who among you is willing, as well ar 
aUe, to supply this lack of service?" 

S. The next morning, many willingly offered themselves. 
I chose six and forty of them, whom I judged to be of the 
most tender, lovii^ spirit : divided the town into twenty* 
three parts, and desired two oi them to visit the sidL in each 
division. 



99S A VLAIN' ACCOUNT OF THE METRODUTS^ 

4. It is the business of a yisiter of the sick, 

1. To see every sick person within his district tfaiiice s 
week; 

2. To enquire into the state of their souls, and advise 
them, as occasion may require ; 

3. To enquire into their disorders, and procure advioe for 
them ; 

4. To relieve them, if they are in want; 

5. To do any thing for them, which he (or she) can do; 

6. To bring in his account weekly to the stewards. ^ 
Upon reflection, I saw, how exactly in this also we had 

copied after the primitive church. What were the ancient 
deacons ? What was Phebe the deaconness, but such a 
visiter of the sick ? 

5. I did not think it needful to give them any particular 
rules besides those that follow : 

1. Be plain and open in dealing with souls; 

8. Be mild, tender, patient ; 

3. Be cleanly in all you do for the sick ; 

4. Be not nice. 

6. We have ever since had great reason to praise Grod 
for his continued blessing on this undertaking. Many lives 
have been saved ; many sicknesses healed ; much pain and 
want prevented or removed ; many heavy hearts have been 
made glad ; many mourners comforted : and the visiters 
have found from him, whom they serve, a present reward 
for all their labour. 

XIL 1. But I was still in pain for many of the poor that 
were side ; there was so great expense, and so little profit : 
and first, I resolved to try, whether they might not receive 
more benefit in the hospitals : upon the trial, we found there 
was indeed less expense, but no more good done than be- 
fore. I then asked the advice of several physicians for 
them, but still it profited not. I saw the poor people 
pining away, and several families ruined, and that without 
remedy. 

• 3. At length I thought of a kind of desperate expedient. 
" I will prepare, and give them physic inyselL" For six 



A PLAIN, ACCOUNT OP THB METHODISTS* 299 

or seven and twenty years I had made Anatomy and Phy- 
sic the diversion of my leisure hours ; though I never pro* 
perly studied them, unless for a few months, when I wat 
going into America, where I imagined I might be of some 
service to those who had no regular physician among them. 
I applied to it again. I took into my assistance an apothe- 
cary, and an experienced surgeon : resolving, at the same 
time, not to go out of my depth ; but to leave all difficult 
and complicated cases, to such physicians as the patients 
diould choose. 

. 3. I gave notice of this to the society ; telling them, that 
all who were ill of chronical distempers (for I did not care 
to venture upon acute) might, if they pleased, come to me 
at such a time; and I would give them the best advice I 
could, and the best medicines I had. 

4. Many came; (and so every Friday since); among the 
rest was one William Kirkman, a weaver, near Old Nichol- 
street : I asked him, *^ What complaint have you ?'* " O 
Sir," said he, " a cough, a very sore cough. I can get 
no rest day nor night." I asked, ^* How long have you 
had it ?" He replied, '^ About three-score years : it began 
when I was eleven years old." I was nothing glad, that this 
man should come first, fearing our not curing him might 
discourage others : however, I looked up to God, and said, 
^^ Take this, three or four times a d^y. If it does you na 
good, it will do you no harm." He took it two or three 
days. His cough was cured ; and has not returned to this 
day. 

• 5. Now let candid men judge, does humility require me 
to deny a notorious fact i If not, which is vanity ? To say, 
I, by my own skill, restored this man to health ; or, to say^ 
Grod did it by his own Almighty power? By what figure of 
speech this is called boasting, I know not : but I wiU put 
no name to such a fiict as this : I leave that to the Rev. 
Pr. Middleton. 

6* In five months, medicines were occasionally given, to 
above five hundred persons, several of these I never saw be- 
fore^ for I did not r^ard whether they were of the society 



900 A PLAIH AOCOUMt- OF THE METHODttTf* 

or not. la that time seventj-one of these, regularly taking 
their medicines, and following the regimen prescribed, 
which three in four would not do, were entirely cured, of 
distempers long thought to be incurable. The whole ex- 
pense of medicines, during this time, was nearly forty 
pounds. We continued this ever since,* and, by the bles- 
sing of God, with more and more success. 

XIII. 1 . ' But I had for some years observed many, who, 
although not sick, were not able to provide for themselves, 
and had none who took care to provide for them : these 
were chiefly feeble, aged widows. I consulted with the 
stewards, how they might be relieved ? They all agreed, if 
we could keep them in one house, it would not only be fiur 
less expensive to us, but also fair more comfortable for them. 
Indeed, we had no money to begin : but we believed He 
would provide, ^* who defendeth the cause of the widow.'* 
So we took a lease of two little houses near : we fitted them 
up, so as to be warm and clean. We tock in as many 
^ow. as we had n>om for, and provided them with thin(^ 
needful for the body ; toward the expense of which I set 
aside, first, the weekly contributions of the bands, and then 
all that was collected at the Lord's-Supper. It is true, this 
does not suffice ; so that we are still considerably in debt, mi 
this account also. But, we are persuaded, it will not al- 
ways be so ; seeing ^< the earth is the Lord's and the fulness 
thereof." 

2. In this (commonly called the poor-house), we have 
now nine widows, one blind woman, two poor children, two 
upper servants, a maid, and a man : I might add, four or 
five (Hreachers : for I myself, as well as the other preachers, 
who are in town, diet with the poor, on the same food, and 
at the same table. And we rejoice herein as a comfortable 
earnest of our eating bread together in our Father's kingdom. 

3. I have blessed Grod for this house ever since it b^an; 
but lately much more than ever. I honour these widows, 
for they are widows indeed. So that it is not in vain^ that 

* IhiB was writteo in 1748. 



A PLAIK ACCOUNT OF THE METHODHTf* 301 

mrithout any design of so doing we hare copied after another 
of the institutions of the apostolic age. I can now say to 
all the world, ^^ Come, and see, how these Christians lore 
one another!"* 

Xiy. 1. Another thing which had given me frequent 
concern, was the case of abundance of childrjsn : some their 
parents could not afford ^to put to school, so they remained 
like a wild ass's colt. Others were sent io school, and learn* 
ed, at least, to read and write ; but they learned all kind ^ 
vice at the same time ; so that it had been better for them to 
have been without their knowledge, than to have bought it 
at so dear a price. 

. 2. At length I determined to have them taught in my 
own house, that they might liave an opportunity of learning 
to read, write, and cast accounts, (if no more) without being 
under almost a necessity of learning heathenism, at the same 
time. And after several unsuccessful trials, I found twa 
^uch school-masters as I wanted; men. of honesty, and of 
sufficient knowledge, who had talents for, and their hearts 
in the work. 

3. They have now, under their care, nearly sixty chil- 
dren : the parents of some pay for their schooling, but the 
greater part, being very poor, do not; so that the expense 
is chkfly defrayed by voluntary contributions. We have of 
late cloUied them too, as many as wanted. The Rules of the 
School are these that follow : 

1. No child is admitted under six years of age: 

S. All Uie children are to be present at the morning 

sermon : 
S. They are at school from six to twelve, aod from one^ 

to five :+ 

4. They have no play-days : 

5. No child is'to speak in school, but Ui the masters: 

6. The child who misses two days in one week, without 
leave, is excluded the school. 



•< Thii has beeb since dropped fof want of rappoH* 
f AUterwardt |her bcipm Jbtsr. 



302 A PLAIir ACCOUNT OF THE METHOBISTfl. 

4. We appoint two stewards for the school also. The 
business of these is^ 

To receive the school-subscripticms, and expend what is 
needful ; 

To talk with each of the masters weekly ; 

To pray with, and exhort the children twice a week ; 

To enquire diligently, whether they grow in grace and iit 
learning, and whether the rules are punctually observed ; 

Every Tuesday morning, in conjunction with the mas- 
ters, to exclude those children that do not observe the said 
rules; 

Every Wednesday morning, to meet with, and exhort, 
their parents, to train them up at home in the ways of God* 
• 5. A happy change was soon observed in the children, 
both with' regard to tjieir tempers and behaviour. They 
learned reading, writing, and arithmetic swiftly ; and at the 
same tim^ they were diligently instructed in the sound prin^ 
ciples of religion, and earnestly exhorted to fear Grod, and 
work out their own salvation. 

Xy • 1 . A year or two ago, I observed, among many, a 
distress of another kind. They frequently wanted, perhaps, 
in order to carry on their business, a present supply of 
money. They scrupled to make use of a pawn-broker; but^ 
where to borrow it, they knew not. I resolved to try if we 
could not find a remedy for this also. I went, in a few days, 
from one end of the town to the other ; and exhorted those 
who had this world's goods, to assist their needy brethren. 
Fifty pounds were contributed. This was immediately lodg- 
ed in the hands of two stewards; who attended every Tues- 
day morning, in order to lend, to those who wanted, any 
small sum, not exceeding twenty shillings, to be repaid 
within three months. 

2. It is almost incredible, but it manifestly appears, from 
their accounts, that, with this inconsiderable sum, two hun- 
dred and fifty have been assisted within the space of* one 
year. Will not God put it into the heart of some lover of 
mankind to increase this little stock? If this is not lending 
unto the Lord^ what is ? O confer not with flesh and blood, 



A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE METHODISTS. 903 

but immediately, ^^ Join hands with God, to make a poor 
man live." 

3. I think, Sir, now you know all that I know of this 
people. You see the nature, occasion, and design of what- 
ever is practised among them. And I trust, you may be 
pretty well able to answer any questions which may be 
asked concerning them ; particularly by those who enquire 
concerning my revenue^ and what I do with it all? 

4. Some have supposed, this was no greater than (hat of 
the Bishop of London : but others computed, . that I receive 
eight hundred a year from Yorkshire only : now, if so, it 
cannot be so little as ten thousand pounds a year, which I 
receive out of all England ! 

5. Accordingly, a gentleman in Cornwall, (the Rector of 
R ), extends the calculation pretty considerably. ^' Let 
me see," said he : ^^ two millions of Methodists; and each 
of these paying two-pence a week." If so, I must have 
eight hundred and sixty thousand pounds, with some odd 
shillings and pence, a year! 

6. A tolerable competency ! But, be it more on less, it 1$ 
nothing at all to me. All that is contributed or cpllected in 
every place, is both received and expended by others ; nofr 
have I so much as the ^^ beholding thereof with my eyes." 
And so it will be, till I turn Turk or Pagan. For I look 
up<m all this revenue, be it what, it may, as sacred to (jod 
and the poor : out of which, if I want any thing, I amre^i. 
lieved, even as another poor man: so were originally all 
ecclesiastical revenues, as every man of learning knows;, 
and the bishops and priests used them only as such. If any 
use them otherwise now, God help them ! 

7. I doubt not, but if I err in this, or any other pcnat^ 
you will pray God to shew me his truth* To ^^ have a 
conscience void of offence toward God and toward man,", 
is the desire of, ^ 

Rev. and dear Sir, 
Your affectionate brother and servant, 

JOHN WESLEY- 



mm 



THE 

NATURE, DESIGN, 

AMh 

GENERAL RULES 

OF THE 

UNITED SOCIETIES, 

nr 

London, Bristol, Kingswood, and Newcastle'Upon^Tyiiey 

8^. Sfc^ 



1. IN the lattelr end of the year 1739| eight or ten penons 
came to me in London, whoi appeared to be deeply con* 
yinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemptidn. They 
desired, as did two or three more the next day, that I would 
spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them \<m 
to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continuaUy 
hanging over their heads. That we might have more tiine 
hr this great work, I appointed a day when they might all 
come together ; which, from then6ef<Nrward, diey did every 
week ; viz. on Thursday in the evening. To these, and as 
many more as desired to join with them, (for their nndiber 
increased daily,) I gave those advices, from time to time, 
which I judged most needful for them ; and we always con- 
cluded our meetings with prayer suitable to their sevieftl 
necessities. 

8. This was the rise of the United Society, first in Lon* 
don and then in other places. Such a society is no other 
than, ^^ A company of men, having the form, and seeking 
the power of godliness : united, in order to pray together, 



GENERAL AULES, &C. 305 

V 

to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one 
another in love, that they may help each other to work out 
their salvation." 

3. That it may the more easily be discerned, whether 
they are indeed working out their own salvation, each so« 
ciety is divided into smaller companies, called classes, ac<^ 
cording to their respective places of abode. There are about 
twelve persons in every class, one of whom is stiled the 
leader : it is his business, 

First, To see each person in his class^ once a week at 
least, in order, 

To enquire how thejir souk prosper ; 

To advise^ reprove, comfort, or exhort, as occasion may 
require; 

To receive what they are willing to give, towards the sup- 
port of the gospel. 

Secondly, To meet the minister and the stewards of the 
society once a week, in order, 

To inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that 
walk disorderly, and will not be reproved; 

To pay to the stewards what they have received of their 
several classes in the week preceding; and, 

To shew their account of what each person has contri- 
buted. 

4. There is one only condition previously required of 
those who desire admission into these societies, viz. '^ a de- 
sire to flee from the wrath to come, and be saved from their 
sins :** but wherever thisr is really fixed in the soul, it will 
be shewn by its fruits. It is therefore expected of all who 
continue therein, that they should continue to evidence their 
desire of salvation ; ' 

First, By doing no harm, by avoiding evil in every kind ; 
especially that which is most generally practised. Scfch lis, 

The taking the name of Grod in vain : 
• The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordi- 
nary work thereon, or by buying or selling. 

Drunkenness; buying or selling spirituous liquors; or 
drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity : 

VOL. VI. X 



906 6EirERAI< SUlfiSy &c. 

I 

Fightings quarrelling^ brawling; brother going to law 
with brother ; returning evil for evil^ or railing for railing; 
the using many words in buying or selling : 

The buying or selling uncustomed goods s 

The giving or t(Jcing things on usury ^ i. e. unlftwfiil in- 
terest: 

UncharUable or unprofitable conversation; particQlarly 
speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers. 

Doing to others as we would not they should do uiito us : 
Doing what we know is not for the glory of God ; as, 
The putting on of gold or costly apparel: 
The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name 

of the Lord Jesus : 
The singing those songs^ or reading those books^ that do 

not tend io the knowledge or love of Grod : 
Softness, and needless self-indulgence : 
Laying up treasure on earth : 
Borrowing without a probability of paying ; or, taking 

up goods without a probability of pajring for them. 

. 5. It is expected of all, who continue in these societies, 
that they should continue to evidence their desire of salva- 
tion, 

Secondly, By doing good, by being in every kind merci- 
ful aft^ their power, as they have opportunity : doing good 
of every possible sort, and as far as possible to all men ; 

To their bodies, of the ability that God giveth, by giving 
food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or 
helping them that are sick or in prison : 

To their souls, by instructing, reproving, (nr exhorting all 
we have any intercourse with : trampling under ioci that 
enthusiastic doctrine of devils, that, ^^ We are not io do 
good unless our hearts be free to it : " 

By doing good, especially t<y them that are of the house- 
hold of faith, or groaning so to be : employing them pre- 
ferably to others; buying one of another; helping each 
other in business : and so much the more, because the w<nrld 
will love its own^ and them only : 



GENERAL RULES, &C. 307 

By all possible diligence and frngalilt/^ that the gospel be 
not blamed : 

By running with patience the race that is set before them, 
denying themselves y and taking up their cross daily; sub- 
mitting to bear the reproach of Christ ; to be as the filth and 
off-scouring of the world ; and looking that men should say 
all manner of evil of them falsely for the Lord^s sake. 

6. It is expected of all who desire to continue in these so- 
cieties, that they should continue to evidence their desire of 
salvation : 

Thirdly, By attending on all the ordinances of God: 
such are, 

The public worship of God : 

The ministry of the word, either read or expounded s 

The Supper of the Lord : 

Family and private prayer: 

Searching the Scriptures : and, 

Fasting or abstinence. 

7. These are the general rules of our societies ; all whick 
we are taught of God to observe, even in his'written word, 
the only rule, and the sufficient rule both of our fidth and 
practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on every 
truly awakened heart. If there be any amcmg us who ob* 
serve them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be 
miade known unto them, who watch over that soul, as they 
must give an account. We will admonish him of the error 
c^ hi$ ways : we will bear with fajm fi^r a season. But then, 
if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We 
have delivered our own souls. 

May I, 1748. J. and C. WESLEY. 



X2 



mBBBSBBBBBSSSSSSSSSSSBmam 



MINUTES 



OFtOMB 



LjiTE CONrEMSATIONS 



BBTfVE&N THE 



REV. MESSttS. WESLEYS, AND OTHERS. 



CONVERSATION THE FIRST. 

Monday^ June 25, 1744. 

THE following persons being met at the Foundery, Jdin 
Wesley ; Charles Wesley ; John Hodges, rector of Wcnvo ; 
Henry Piers, vicar of Bexley; Samael Taylor^ vicar of 
Quinton ; and John Meriton ; after some time spent in 
prayer, the design of our meeting was proposed, namely, 
to consider, 

1. What to teach; 

2. How to teach; and, 

3. What to do ? i. e. How to regulate our doctrine, dis- 
cipliile, and practice. 

We began with considering the doctrine of justification : 
the questions relating to which, with the substance of the 
answers given thereto, were as follows : 

Q. 1. What is it to be justified ? 

A. To.be pardoned, and received into God's favour, into 
such a state, that if we contifaue therein, we shall be finally 
saved. 

Q. S. Is faith the condition of justification? 

A. Yes; for every one who believeth not, is condemned ; 
and every one who believes^ is justified. 



MINUTES, &C. S09 

Q. 3. But must not repentance and works meet for re- 
pentance go before this &ith ? 

A. Without doubt: If by repentance you mean convic- 
tion of sin ; and by works meet for repentance, obeying 
God as far as we can, forgiving our brother, leaving off 
evil, doing good, and using Grod's ordinances according to 
the power we have received. * 

Q. 4. What is faith ? 

A. Faith in general is, a divine, supernatural elenchos of 
things not seen, i. e. of past, future, or spiritual things : it 
is a spiritual sight of God and the things of God. 

First, a sinner is convinced by the Holy Ghost, ^^ Christ 
loved me, and gave himself for me.'* This is that faith by 
which he is 'justified or pardoned, the moment he receives it. 
Immediately the same Spirit bears witness, ^^ Thou art par- 
doned : thou hast redemption in his blood." And this is 
saving fidth, whereby the love of God is shed abroad in his 
heart. / 

Q. 5. Have all Christians this &ith ? May not a man be 
justified and not know it ? 

A. That all true Christians have such a faith as implies 
an assurance of God's love, appears from Rom. viii. 15 ; 
£ph. iv. 32 ; S Cor. ziii. 5 ; Heb. viii. 10 ; 1 John iv. 
' 10, V. 19. And that no man can be justified and not know 
it appears farther from the nature of tibe thing : for fiiith af- 
ter repentance is ease after pain, rest after toil, light after 
darkness. It appears also from the immediate, as well as 
distant fruits thereof. « 

Q. 6. But may not a man go to heaven without it ? 

A. It does not appear from Holy Writ that a man^ who 
hears the gospel, can, Mark xvi. 16, whatever a heathen 
may do, Rom. ii. 14. 

Q. 7. What are the immediate fruits of justifying faith ? 

A. Peace, joy, love, power over all outward sin, and 
power to keep down inward sin. 

Q. 8. Does any one believe, who has not the witness in 
himself, or any longer than he seesf loves, obeys God I 

A. We apprehend not ; seeing pod being the very es- 



810 MINUTES, &C« 

§ence of faith ; love and obedience the inseparable proper- 
ties of it. 

Q. 9. What sins are consistent with justifying fitith ? 

A. No wilful sin. If a believer wilfully sins, he casts 
away his fkith. Nisither is it possible he should haye justi* 
fyii^ faith again, without previously 'repenting. 

Q. 10. Must every believer, come into a state of doubt or 
fear, or darkness? Will he do so, unless by ignorance or 
unfaithfulness ? Does God otherwise wiUidraw hfmsdf ? 

A. It is certain, a believer need never again come into 
condemnation : it seems, he need not come into a State of 
doubt or fear, or darkness ; and that, ordinarily at least, he 
will not, unless by ignorance or unfaithfulness : yet it is 
true, ih^t the first joy does seldom last long ; that it is com- 
monly followed by doubts and fears ; and that Grod fre- 
quently permits grefit heaviness before any large knanifissta- 
ii6n of himself. 

Q. 11. Are works necessary to the continuance of faith? 

A. Without d6ubt ; for a man inay forfeit the free gifl of 
God, either by sins of omission or commission. 

Q. 13. Can faith be lost but for want of works? , 

A« It cannot but through disobedience. 

Q. IS. 'How'is fhith made .perfect by woiks ? 

A. The mofe we exert our faith the morb it is increased. 
To him that hath shall be given. 

'Q. 14. St. Paul says, Abrahain was not justified by 
works. St. James, he was justified by works. <Do they not 
contradict each other ? 

A. No : I. Because they do not speak of the same jus- 
tification. St. -Paul speaks of that justification which Was 
when Abraham "^^as seventy-five years old, above twenty 
years before Isaac was born. St. James of that jiistification 
which "was when he ofier^ up Isaac on the altar. 

Seccmdly. Because they do not speak of the same works. 
St. Paul speaking of works that precede fiiith : St. James 
of works tlmt spring firom it. 

Q. 15. In what sense is Adam's sin imputed to all man^ 
kind? ' 



UlSVTEMy &C» SU 

A. In Adam all die, i. e. 1, Our bodies ilien became mor- 
tal. 2f Our souls died, i. e. were disunited from God. 
And hence, S, We are all born with a sinful, devilish na- 
ture : by reason whereof, 4, We are children of wrath, 
liaUe io death eternal^ Ram* ▼. 18 ; Eph. ii. S. 

Qp 16. In what sense is the righteousness of Christ im« 
puted to all mankind, or to believers ? 

A. We do not find it expressly affinned in Scripture, that 
God imputes the righteousness of Christ io any : atthough 
wedofiitd, that faith is imputed to us f^ righteousness. 

That text, << As by one man's disobedience many," that 
is, all men, ^^ were made sinners; so, by the obedience of one, 
many shall be made righteous," we conceive means, by the 
merits of Christ, all men are cleared from the guilt of Adam** 
actuid sin. 

We conceive, fiirther, that through the obedience and 
death of Christ, 1, The bodies of M men become immortal 
after the resurreotion : 8, Their souls receive a capacity of 
spiritual life : and, 3, An actual spark or seed thereof: 
4, All believers beciome children of grace, reconciled to 
God : and 5, Made partakers of the divine i^ntnre. 

Q. 17. Have we not then, unawares, leaned too much Uy» 
wiArds Calvinism'? 

A. We are afraid we have. 

Q. 18. Have we not also leaned towards Antinomianismt 

A. We are afraid we have. 

Q. 19. What is Antinomianism ? - 

A. The doctrine that inakes void the law through fiuth. 

Q* SO. What are the main pillars hereof? 

A. 1. That Christ abolished the moral JaW* 

S. That therefore Christians are not obliged to obswve it. 

3. That one branch of Christian liberty, is liberty firom 
obeying the commandments of God. 

4. That it is bondage to do a thing, because it is com* 
manded, or forbear it because it is forbidden. 

5. That a believe is not oUiged to use the ordinances of 
,God, (M* to do good works. 

6. That a preacher ought .not to exhort to good .works i 



3IS MINUTES, &C. 

not unbelievers, because it is hurtful ; not believers, because 
it is needless. 

Q. ^l. What was the occasion of St. Paul's writing his 
epistle to the Galatians? 

A. The cbmios^ of certain men amonsst the Galatians, 
who taught, ^^ Except ye be circumcised, and keep the law 
of Moses, ye cannot be saved." 

Q. 22. What is his main design therein ? 

A. To prove, 1 j That no man can be justified, or saved, 
by the works of the law, either moral or ritual: 8, That 
every believer is justified, by fidth in Christ, witlkmt the 
works of the law. ^ 

. Q. 23. What does he mean by <^ the works of the law?" 
Gal. ii. 16, &c. 

A. All works which do not spring from faith in Christ. 

Q. 24. What by being under the law ? Gal. iii. S3. 

A. Under the Mosaic dispensation. 

Q. S5. What law has Christ abolished ? 

A. The ritual law of Moses. 

Q. 26. What is meant by liberty ? Gral. v. 1. 

A. Liberty, 1, From that law: 2, From sin. 

On Tuesday Mornings June 36, 

The doctrine of sanctification was considered ; with re- 
gard to which, the questions asked, and the substance of the 
answers given, were as follows : 

Q. 1. What is it to be sanctified ? 
' A. To be renewed in the image of God in righteousness 
and true holiness. 

Q. 2. Is faith the condition, or the instrument of sancti- 
fication ? 

A. It is both the condition and instrument of it. When 
we begin to believe, then sanctification begins. And, as faitii 
increases, holiness increases, till we are created anew. 

Q. 3. What is implied in being a perfect Christian ? 

A. The loving the Lord our God with all our heart, 
and with all our mind, and soul and strength, Deut. vi. 5- 
XXX. 6 ; £zek. xxxvi. 25—29. 



MINUTES, &C. SIS 

Q. 4. Does this imply, that all iniyard sin is taken away ? 

A. Without doubt : or how could we be said to be saved 
from all our uncleannesses ? yer. S9. 

Q. 5. Can we know one who is thus saved? What is a 
reasonable proof of it ? 

A. We cannot, without the miraculous discernment of 
spirits, be infallibly certain of those who are thus saved : 
but we apprehend these would be the best proofs which the 
nature of the thing admits. 1, If we had sufficient evidence 
of their unblamable behaviour preceding their sanctification. 
2, If they gave a distinct account of the time and manner 
wherein they were saved from sin, and the circumstances 
thereof, with such sound speech as could not be reproved. 
And, S, If upon a strict enquiry afterwards from time to 
time, it appeared that all their tempers, and words, and 
actions were holy and unreprovable. 

Q. 6. How should we treat those who think they have 
attained this ? 

A. Exhort them to forget the things that are behind, and 

to watch, and pray always that God may search the ground 

of their hearts. 

Wednesdai/y June 27. 

We began to consider points of discipline : with regard 
to which the questions asked, and the substance of the an- 
swers given, were as follow. 

Q. 1. What is the Church of England ? 

A. According to the SOth article, the visible Church of 
England is, the congregation of English believers in which 
the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly 
administered. 

(But the word church is sometimes taken in a looser sense ; 
for ^' a congregation professing to believe." So it is taken 
in the 96th article, and in the Ist^ Sd, fmd 3d chapters of 
the Revelation.) 

Q. S. Who is a member of the Church (rf* England ? 

A. A believer, hearing the pure word of God preached, 
and partaking of the sacraments duly administered in that 
church. 



S14 MINUTES, &C. 

Q. What is it to be zealous for the Church ? 

A. To be earnestly desirous of its welfare and increase: 
of its welfare, by the confirmation of its present members, 
in faith, hearing, and communicating : and of its iacrease, 
by the addition of new members. 

Q. 4. How are we to defend the doctrine of the Gfauich ? 

A. Both by our preaching and Uring. 

Q. 5. How should we behave at a fidse or railing sermoa ? 

A. If it only contain personal reflections, we may quietly 
suffer it : if it blaspheme the work and Spirit of Grod, it 
may be better to go out of the church. In either case, if 
opportunity serve, it would be well to speak or write to At 
roinist^. 

Q. 6. How far is it our duty to obey the bishops ? 

A. In all things indifferent : and on this ground of obey- 
ing them, we should observe the canmis, so far as we can 
with a safe consci^ice* 

Q. 7. Do we separate from the Church ? 

A. We conceive not : we hold communion therewith, 
for conscience' sake, by constantly attending both the word 
preached, and the sacraments administered therein. 

Q. 8. What then do they mean who say, " You sepa- 
rate from the church ? " 

A. We cannot certainly tell. Perhaps they have no de- 
terminate meaning : unless by the church they mean them* 
selves, i. e. that part of the clergy who accuse us of preach- 
ing false doctrine : and it is sure we do herein separate from 
them, by maintaining that which they deny. 

Q. 9. But do you not weaken the church ? 

A. Do not they who ask this, by the Church meao 
themselves ? We do not purposely weaken any man's hands : 
but accidentally we may, thus far : they who come to know 
the truth by us, will esteem such as deny it less than they 
did before. 

But the church, in the proper sense, the congregation of 
English believers, we do not weaken at all. 

Q. 10. Do you not entail aschbm on the Church ? i. e. 
Is it not probable that your hearers, after your death, will 



MINUTES, &C» 315 

be scattered into all sects and pariiei^ or that they will form 
themselves into a distinct sect i 

A. 1. We are persuaded the body of our hearers will, 
even after our death, remain in the church, unless they be 
thrust out. 

8. We belibve, notwithstanding, either that they will be 
thrust out, or that they will leaven the idiole Church. 

S« We do, and wUl <]o, all we can to prevent those con* 
sequences which are supposed likely to happen after ouv 
death. 

4* But we cannot, with a good conscience, neglect the 
present opportunity of saving souls while we live, for fear 
of consequences which may possibly or probably happen 
after we are dead. 

CONVERSATION THE SECOND. 

Bristol J Thursday y August 1, 1745. 

The following persons being met together at the new 
room, in Bristol, John Wesley, Charles Wesley^ John 
Hodges, Thomas Richards, Samuel Larwood, Thomas Mey- 
rick, Richard Moss, John Slocombe, Herbert Jenkins, and 
Marmaduke Gwynne. 

It was proposed to review the Minutes of the last Con- 
ference with regard to justification : and it was asked, 

Q. 1. How comes what is written on this subject to be so 
intricate and obscure ? Is this obscurity from the nature of 
the thing itself; or, from the fault or weaknessof those who 
have generally treated of it ? 

A. We apprehend this obscurity does not arise from the 
nature of the subject : but, perhaps, partly from hence, that 
the devil peculiarly labours to perplex a subject of the 
greatest importance : and partly from the extreme warmth 
of most writers who have treated of it. 

Q. 2. We affirm faith in Christ is the* sole condition of 
justification : but does not repentance go before that faith : 
yea, and (supposing there be oppodiunity for than) fruits or 
works meet for repentance ? 

A. Without doubt they do. 

Q. 3. How then can we deny them to be conditions of 



SI6 MINUTES, &C. 

justification ? Is not this a mere strife of words ? But k it 
worth while to continue a dispute on the term condition ? 

A. It seems not, although it has been grievously abused: 
but so the abuse cease, let the use remain. 

Q. 4. Shall we read over together Mr. Baxter's Apho- 
risms concerning Justification ? 

A. By all means ; which were accordingly read : and, it 
was desired that each person preseat would in the afiemooa 
consult the Scriptures cited therein, and bring what- objec- 
tions might occur the next morning. 

Friday J August % 

THE QUiBSTION WAS PROPOSED, 

Q. I. Is a sense of Grod*s pardoning love abaointdy 
necessary to our being in his favour : or may there possibly 
be some exempt cases ? 

A. We dare not positively say, There are not. 

2. Q. I^ it necessary to inward and ontward holinesfii ? 

A. We incline to think it is, 

Q. 3. Is it indispensably necessary to final salvation? 
Suppose in a Papist, or a Quaker, or in general among those 
who never heafd it preached ? 

A. Love hopeth all things. We know not how far any 
of these may fall under the cass of invincible ignorance. 

Q. 4. But what can we say of one of our own society, 
who dies without it, as J. W. at London ? 

A. It may be an exempt case, (if the fact was really 
so) but we determine nothing : we leave his soul in the 
hands of him that made it. 

Q. 5. Does a man believe any longeif than he sees a re- 
conciled God ? 

A. We conceive not: but we allow there may be infinite 
degrees in seeing God ; even as many as there are between 
him who sees the-sun, when it shines on his eye-lids closed, 
and him who stands with his eyes wide open in the fall Uaze 
of his beams. 

Q. 6. Does a man believe any longer than he loves God ? 
In no wise: for neither circumcision nor uncircumcisioB 
avails without &ith working by love. 



MINUTES, &C. 317 

Q. 7. Have we duly considered the case of Cornelius ? 
Was iiot he in the favour of God when his prayers and 
alnis came up for a memorial before God ? i. e. before he 
believed in Christ ? 

A. It does seem that he was, in some degree. But we 
spieak not of those who have not heard the Gospel. 

Q. 8. But were those works of his, splendid sins ? 

A. No : nor were thej done without the grace of Christ. 

Q. d. How then can we maintain, That all works done 
before we have a sense of the pardoning love of God, are 
sin ; and, as such, an abomination to him ? 

A. The works of him who has heard the Gospel, and 
does not believe, are not done as G<xl hath '^ willed and 
commanded them to be done.*' And yet we know not how 
to say, That they are ata abomination to the Lord, in him 
who feareth God, and, from that principle does the best he 
can. 

Q. 10. Seeing there is so much difficulty in this subject, 
can we deal too tenderly with them that oppose us ? 

A. We cannot, unless we were to give up any part of th6 
truth of God, 

Q* 11. Is a believer constrained to obey God ? 

A. At first he often is. The love of Christ constrain- 
eth him. After this he may obey, or he may not; no con- 
straint being laid upon him. 
- Q. 12. Can fiiith be lost, but through disobedience ? 

A. It cannot. A believer first inwardly disobeys, inclines 
to sin with his heart ; then his intercourse with God is cut 
oflT, i. e. his faith is lost : and after this he may fitU into out- 
ward sin, being now weak and like another man. 

Q. 13. How can such an one recover faith ? 

A. By repenting, and doing the first works, Rev. ii. 5. 

Q. 14. Whence is it that so great a majority of those 
who believe, fall more or less into doubt or fear ? 

A. Ohiefly from their own ignorance or unfaithAilness : 
often from their not watching unto prayer : perhaps some- 
times from some defect or want of the power of God in the 
preaching they bear. 



318 MINUTES^ &C« 

Q. 15. Is there not a defect in us ? Do we preach as we 
did at first ? Have we not changed our doctrines ? 

A. 1. At first we preached almost wholly to unbelieveR. 
To those^ therefore, we spake almost continually of remis- 
sion of sins through the death of Christ, and the nature cf 
faith in his blood : and so we do stiU among thoie who 
need to be taught the first elem^ts of the gospel o£ Ghrist : 

2. But those in whom the foundation is already laid, ire 
exhort to go on to perfection ; which we did not so. douiy 
see at first, although we occasicmally spoke of it from the 
beginning. 

S. Yet we now preach, and that continually, fitith in 
Christ, as the Proph^, Priest, and King, at least, as dearly, 
as strongly, and as fully, as we did six years ago. 

Q. 16. Do not we discourage visions and dreams too 
much, as if we condemned them taio genere? 

A. We do not intend to do this. We neither disconnge 
nor encourage them. We learn from Acts ii. 19, &c. to.ex- 
pect something of this kind in the last days. And we cannot 
deny that saving fsuth is often given in dreams or visions of 
the night : which faith we count neither better nor w<Hse 
than if it came by any other means. 

Q. 17, Do not some of our assistants preach too much of * 
tiie wrath, and too little of the love of God ? 

A. We fear they have leaned to that extreme, and hence 
some of their hearers may have lost the joy of faith. 

Q. 18. Need we ever preach the terrors of the Lord to 
those who know they are accepted of him ? 

A. No; it is folly so to do: fqr love is to them the 
strongest of all motives. 

Q. 19. Do we ordinarily represent a justified state so 
great and happy as it is ? 

A. Perhaps not. A believer, walking in the light, is inex« 
pressibly great and happy. 

Q. SO. Should we not have a care of depreciating justi< 
fication, in order to exalt the state of full sanctification ? 

A. Undoubtedly we should beware of this : for one may 
insensibly slide into it. 



MINUTES, ScCm S)9 

Q. 21. How shall ve effectually avoid it? 

A. When we are going to speak oi entire sanctification, 
let us first describe the blessings of a justified state, as 
strongly as possiUe. 

Q^ 2i. DoM not the truth of the Gospel lie very near 
both to Calvinism and Antinomianism ? 

A. Indeed it does : as it were within a hair's breadth. 
So that it is altogether foolish and sinful, because we do not 
quite agree either with one or the oth^, to run from ihem 
as far as ever we can. 

• Q. S3. Wherein may ^e come to the very edge of Cal- 
vinism ? 

A. In ascribing all good to the free goice of God : S, la 
denying all natural free will, and all power antecedent ixM 
grace : and, 3, {n excluding all merit from man^ even for 
what he has or does by the grace of God. 

Q. 34. Wherein may we come to the edge of Antinomi- 
anism? 

. A. 1. In exalting the merits and love of Christ: 8, In 
i^joicing evermore. 

Q. 25. Does faith suporsede <set aside the necessity of) 
holiness or good ii^orks ? 

A. In no wise. So&r from it ihat it impUes both, as a 
cause doth its effects. 
About ten^ is^e began to speak of sanctification : with regard 

to which k was enquired^ 

Q. 1. When does inward sanctification begin ? 

A. In the moment we are justified. The seed of every 
virtue is then sown in the soul. From that time the believer 
gradually dies to sin and grows in grace : yet sin remains in 
bim ; yea, the seed of all sin, till he is sanctified through* 
out, in spirit, soul, and body. 

Q. 2. What will become of a Heathen, a Papist, a 
Church of England man, if he die without being thtt« 
sanctified ? 

A. He cannot see the Lord. But none who seeks him 
sincerely shall or can die without it, though he may liot at- 
tain it till the very article of death. 



' Vl^ 



320 MINUTES, &C. 

Q. 3. Is it ordinarily given till a little before death ? 

A. It is not, to those that expect it no sooner, nor conse- 
quently ask for it, at least, not in faith. 

Q. 4. But ought we to expect it sooner ? 

A. Why not? For, although we grant, 1, That the g^ie« 
rality of believers, whom we have hitherto known, were not 
so sanctified till near death : S, That few of those, to whom 
St. Paul wrote his epistles, were so at the time he wrote : 
3, Nor he himself at the time of writing his former efHsUes : 
yet this does not prove that we may not to-day. 

Q. 5. But, would not one, who was thus sanctified, be in- 
capable of worldly business ? 

^ A. He would be far more capable of it than ever, as going 
through all without distraction. 

Q. 6. Would he be capable of marriage? 

A. Why should he not? ' 

Q. 7. Should we not beware of bearing hard on those who 
think they have attained ? 

A. We should. And the rather, because, if they are faith- 
ful to the grace they have received, th^y are in no danger 
of perishing at last : no, not even if they remain in luminous 
faith^ as some term it, for many months 6r years ; perhaps 
till within a little time of their spirits returning to God. 

Q. 8. In what manner should we preach entire sancti- 
fication ? 

A. Scarcely at all to those who are not pressing forward. 
To those who are always by way of promise : always draw* 
ing, rather than driving. 

Q. 9. How shall we wait for the fulfilling of this promise ? 

A. In universal obedience : in keeping all the command- 
ments ; in denying ourselves, and taking up our cross daily. 
These are the general means which God hath ordained for 
our receiving his sanctifying grace: the particuliar ar^ 
prayer, searching the Scripture, communicating, and fitt- 
ing. 



ifuruTBSy &q. Sfil 

CONin^ATION THE THIRD. 

Tuesdai/y May 13, 1746. 

^be fQlIoi/?juig ppTsoQs being met at the New Room^ in 
Bristol; Jofin AV^Iey, Charles Wesley, John Ho^s^ 
Jonathan Reeves, Thomas Maxfield, Thomas Westell^ and 
Thomas WiUis, it was inquired : 

Q. 1. Can an unbeliever, whatever he be in other re- 
spects, challenge iMiy tfa^ of God's justice ? 

A. Absolutely notliing tiut hell. And this is a point which 
we cannot ioomuch insist on. . ' 

Q. 9. Do we empty men o£. their own rightopusn^ as w^ 
did at first ? Do we sufficiently labour, when they begin \o 
lie cpnvinced, of 45in, t^ take away all they Vxsk upon? 
Should wQi^ot then cpfleavpur, with all our might, to over- 
turn their false foundations? 

A. This was at first. one.of o^r. principal p^nts; and it 
ought to be, ^o i^ ; .for^ . tiU^all othcjr foundations are ovar- 
turn^,, they cannot bujl^dj m^ Christ 

Q. 3. Did we not then purpyQseljf throw i|iepi into convic- 
t^>ns ? into stro^ig sorrow wd :^sar ? Nay, did we not strive 
to make .them ^ucpnsplt^Iplei Refusing to be comforted! 

A. l^e did. And so we should do still : for the stronger 
the conviction, the speedier is the deliverance* And none so 
soon receive the peace of God as those who steadily refuse 
all other comfort . 

r Q.;4rii Ji^ us consider a particular case. Were you, Jona- 
than J^yeS) befoifeypii.: received the p^ce of God, coiv* 
vinced, that, notwithstanding fill you did, or could do, you 
were in a estate of da|3wation ? 

. ^J* i^ I w^cpuvinped of it, as fully as that I am now 
idive. ,: . 

Q. 5. Are you sure that conviction was firom Grod ? 

ij. R. I can have no doubt but it was. 

Q. 6. What do you mean by a state of damnation ? 
/ : J. R^ A state,^ wher^ if a man die, he perisheth for ever. 

Q. 7. How did that conviction end? 

VOL. VI. Y 



S22 MINUTED, &C. 

J. R. I had first a strong hope that God would delirer 
me : and this bvongbt a degree of peftce. £iit I had not that 
solid peace of God, till Christ was revealed in me. 

Q. 8. But is not such a trust in the love of God, though 
it be as yet without a distinct sight of God, reconcQed 
to me through Christ Jesus, a low degree of jratif^iiig 
V faith? 

A. It is an earnest of it. But this abides for a short timt 
onlj : nor is this the proper Christian faith ? 

Q. 9. By w6at faith were the aposfles clean, before Ghriit 
died? 

A. By such a fiiith as this ; by a Jewish fidth z for ^^ the 
Holy Ghost was not then given." 

Q. 10. Of whom then do you understand thos^ words, 
Isaiah I. 10, ^^ Who is there among you (hat feaveth the 
Lord ? That obeyeth the voice of his servant; that walMh 
in darkness^ and hath no light ?" 

A. Of a bdiever under the Jewish dispensation : one^ in 
whose heart God hatfi not yet shined, tb give him flie 1^^ 
of the glorious love of God, in the foce of Jetus Christ. 

Q. 11. Who is a Jew inwardly ? . 

A. A servant of God : one who sincerely obeys him out 
of fear : whereas a Christian (inwardly) is a child of God; 
one who sincerely obeys him out of love. But were not yon 
sincere before Christ was revealed in you ? 

J. R. It seeined to me that I was, in some measure. 

Q. 1?. What is sincerity ? 

A. Willingness to know and do the whole will of God. 
The lowest species thereof seem to be fiii{hfulness in that 
which is little. 

Q. 13. Has God any r^ard to man^s sincerity ? 

A. So ferj that no man in any state can possibly please 
God without it : neither indeed in any moment wherein he 
is not sincere. 

Q. 14. But can it be conceived that God has any regard 
to the sincerity of an unbeliever ? 

A. Yes, so much, that if he persevere therein, God will 
infallibly give him faith. 



KtWITTSS, Sec. St3 

Q. 15. What* regard may ire conceive him to hare', to the 
aincerity of a belierer ? . 

A. So much, that in eTery sincere belioTer he folfils aU 
-the great and precious promises^ ^ 

Q. 16. Whom do yon term a sincere believer ? 

A. One that walks in the light, as God is in the light, r 

Q. 17. Is sincerity the same with a single eye ? 

A. Not altogether. The latter refisrs to our intentfon, the 
former to our will or desires. 
^ Q. 18. Is it not all in alU 

A. All will follow persevering sincerity. God gives every 
Aingwithit; nothing >irithout it^ 

Q, 19. Are not then sincerity and faith equivalent 
iemis ? 

A. By no means. It is, at least, as nearly related to 
works as it is to faith. For example; who is sincere before 
hebelieviesP He that then does all he can t he that, accord* 
ing to the power he has received, brings forth ^^ fruits meet 
' for repentance." Who is sincere after he believes : he that^ 
from a sense of Grod's love, is zealous of all good works. 

Q. SO. Is not sincerity what St. Paul terms a wilUng' 
tniad? 9i«ywdx;pua? 2 Cor. viii. IS. 

' A. Yes ; if that word be taken in a general senses For it 
is a constant disposition to use all the grace given. 

Q. SI. But do we not then set sincerity on a level with 
foith? 

A. No : for we allow a man may be sincere, and not be 
justified ; as he may be penitent, and not be justified, (not 
aa yet) : but he cannot have faith, and not be justified. The 
very moment he believes, he is justified. 

Q. SS. But do we not give up fidtb^ and put sincerity in 
its'place, as the condition of our acceptance with God ? 

A. We believe it is one condition of our acceptance, ^s re- 
pentance likewise is. And we believe it is a condition of our 
continuing in a state of acceptance : yet we do not put it in 
the place of fidth. It is by faith the merits of Christ are ap- 
fdied to my soul : but if I am not sincere, : fhey are not 
applied. 

y 2 



304 uiKvrwMf Ax. 

Q. 23* Is not this that ^^ going 'about to establish yomr 
own righteousness," whereof St. P^iil speaks, Rom. x. 4? 

A. St. Paul there manifiestlj speak3 of unbdievers^ who 
sought to be accepted for the sake of their own righteous- 
ness. We <)o not sedc to be acoq^ited for the sake of ovur sin- 
cerity, but through the merits of Christ akuie. Indeed, so 
long as anj man believes, he cannot go about, in Si* I^'s 
sense, to << establish his own righteousness^" 

Q. 94. But do you cimsider tbttt we are ui^er the co- 
venant of grace ? and that the covenant of works is now 
abdished i 

A. All mankind were under the covettsnt of gi'tee, from 
the very hour that the original promise was mad^. If by 
the covenant of works you mean, that of unsinning.obedi> 
ence made with Adam before the Fall : no mian, but AdBm, 
was ever under that covenant ; for it. was 'abolished befinre 
Cain was born : yet, it is not so abolished, but that it will 
stand, in a measure, even to the end of the worid, i. e. if 
we do this, we shall live ; if not, i¥e shall die eternally : if 
we do well, we shall live with God in glory : if evil, we 
shall die the second death ; for every man shall be judged 
in that day, and rewarded ^^ according to his works." 

Q. 25. What means then, << To him that believeth, his 
faith is counted for righteousness ?" 

A. That God forgives him that is unrighteous as soon as 
he believes, accepting his faith instead of perfect righteous- 
ness. But then, observe, universal righteousness follows, 
thoQgh it did not precede faith. 

Q. 96. But is faith thus ^^ counted to us for righteous- 
ness,'* at whatsoever time we beKeve ? 

A. Yes. In whatever moment we believe, all our past 
sins vanish away. They are as though they had never been, 
and we stand clear in the sight of God. 

Tuesday y 10 o^doch. 

Mr. Taylor, of Qninton, and T. Glascot, being added, it 
was inquired : 
Q. 1. Are not the assurance of faith, the inspiration of the 



Holy GhosI, and the revelatkm of Christ in us, tef ms ne^jdy 
of the same import ?,' -i ' » 

A. He that denies oM of them, must deny all s they ar^ 
so closely connected together, : . . J 

Q. 2. Are they ordinarily, where the pure gospel is 
preached, essential to our aocej[itanoe ? ^ ^ * - i 

A. Undoubtedly they arti^ aidMl as such, to be insisted on, 
in the strongest terms. 

Q. 3. Is not the whole dispute of salvatimi by faith, or by 
MTorks, a mere strife of words? 

A. In asserting salvation by faith, we mean this : 1, That 
pardon (salvation b^un) is received by, faith,; (irodulobig 
works :. 2, That holiness (salvation contihued>ii &ith work;^ 
ing by love : 3, That h^ven (salvation finished) is the xdt 
ward of this &ith. ' ' 

If you, who assert salvation by works,, or iby.&itb anil 
works, mean the same thing, (understanding by faith, the 
revelation of Christ in us, by salvation, pardon, . holiness,' 
glory), we will not strive with you at all : if you do Hot, 
this is not a strife of words ; but the very* vitals, the essence 
of Christianity is the thing in question. . 

Q. 4«:lYhereili does our doctrine now differ from that we 
preached when at Oxford ? > . 

A. Chiefly in these two; points: I, We then knew no- 
thing of that righteousness of faith, in justification : nor, 
2, Of the nature of. faith itself, as implying consciousness 
of pardon. .4 

. Q. 5. May not some degree of the love of God, go before 
a distinct sense of justification? 

A. We believe it may. 
' Q. 6. Can aiiy degree, of sanbtification or holiness? 

A. Many. degrees of outward ; holiness may; yea, and 
some degree of meekness, and several other tempers which 
would bfi branches of Gbristitin holiness, but that! they do 
not spriog from Christian principles^: for;,tbe .libidiilg. bve 
of ! God cannot : spring, but ftom faith in a paidc^niHg Godt 
and' no tirue C|^ristiaa holiness can exist, withbtit that Jove 
of Grod for its foundation. 



316 MIMUTEI) ft& 

Q. 7. Is every man, as soon as he believes, a new crea- 
ture, sanctified, pure in heart ? Has he then a new heart? 
l)oes Christ dwell therein i And is he a temple ci the Holy 
Ghost ? 

A. All these things may be aflSirmed of every believer^ in 
a true sense. Let us not therefore contradict those who 
maintain it. Why should we contend about words? 

CONVERSATION THE FOURTH. 

Tuesday^ June 16,, 1747. 

The following persons being met at the Foundery : John 
Wesley i Charles Wesley ; and Charles Mimning, vicar of 
Hayes ; Richard Thomas Bateman, rector of St. Barthdo- 
mew's the Great; Henry Piers; Howell Harris; andTha. 
Hardwick ; it was inquired, 

Q. 1. Is justifying faith, a divine assurance, that Christ 
h>ved me, and gave himself for me ? 
A. We believe it is. 

Q. 9. What is the judgment of most of the serious Dhh 
senters concerning this ? 

A. They generally allow, that many bdievers have «uch 
an assurance : and. 

That it is to be desired and prayed for by all 2 
But then they affirm. 

That this is the highest^species, or dc^rree of fiuth : 
That it is not the common privilege of believers ; con* 
sequently, they deny that this is justifying &ith, or 
necessarily implied therein. 
Q. 3. And are there not strong reasons for their opinions? 
For instance ; if the true believers of Old had not this. as« 
Burance, then it is not necessarily implied in justifying 
faith : 
But the true believers of old had not this assurance. 
A. David, and many more of the believers of dd^ unde- 
niably bad this assurance : but even if the Jews had it 
not, it would uot follow, that this is not implied in Chris* 
tian faith. 



I 

Q. 4. But do you not know, that the apostles thettselveg 
had it not till after the day of Pentecost ? 

A. The apostles themselves had not the proper Christian 
iaatii till after the day of Pentecost. 

Q.5.;But were n<|t those/ Christian believers, in the 
proper sense, .to whdm St. JfiUm wrote his first epistle ? Yet 
to, Jliese he says, ^f These things have. I written unte you 
that believe on the name <^ the Son of God, that ye may 
kMW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may. believe on 
the name of the Son of God," v. 13. , 

A. This does, not prove, that they did not know they had 
eternal life, any more thim that thqr did not bdieve. His. 
plain meaning is, ^^ I haire^written unto you, that you may 
be the more established in the faith." Therefore it do^s not 
lisUow from hence, that they had not this assmancc^ but 
only that there are decrees therein. 

Q. -6. But were not the Thessalonians true belieyers? 
Yet . they had not this assurance ; they had only a good 
hopcy 2 Thess. ii. 16. 

A. The text you refer io^ runs . thus : *< Now our Lord 
Jesus Christ liimself, and God^ ev«n our Father^ which hath 
loved us, and given us everlastiog xx>nsolatipn and good, 
hope, through Ngraee; ooodfort your hearts, and establish 
you in every good word and work." This good hope does 
not exclude, but necessarily implies a strong assurance of 
the love oi God. 

Q. 7. But does not St. Paul say, even of himself, 
^^ I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified,"^ 
1 Cor. iv. 4. . 

. A. He does not say of himself here, that Ike was not jus- 
tified ; or, that he did not know it ; but only^ that though 
l^e had a consciepce void of offence, yet this did not Justify 
him before Grod. And miist not every believer say the same? 
This therefore is wide of the pcnnt* 

Q. 8. But does he not disclaim any such assurance in? 
those words, ^^ I was with you in .weakness and in fear, and 
iaiQiuch trembling," 1 Cor.:iL 3« 
: A* By no: means. Fot^ these w<Mrds do not imidy any 



9td Miktjtei/AOft 

.ftar, ettlier of deatb or belle tkejr ezptess only a deep 
flense of his utter imnfficiendy for the gteat work therein hii 
irasengaged. / - » : 

Q. 9. However, does he not ekclode Christians in 'gene- 
ltd from snch ah assurioioe, ifheniho^bidfl tiienii^^ wo^kloat 
their salvation with fear and trembling/' Phtt. ii. 14. . 

A. No more than from love-; whick is tAwajrS' johed with 
filial fear and neverentialtremMii^. • • < •> ' > 

And the iftutte aoswier is a|>plioable^to all those te:ict8 whidi 
exhort a believer to fearJ / '. •' : * '< "■■ " ».;. ft 

Q. 10 J But dMi not matlfer^ fiiicl ||reF?«,thfat justifying 
fiiith doetf not neeiessafrily imj^aMinMee9' For dsh^ybufbe* 
lieve that such persons as J. A., mA E^Y.^ w^ hav« sen 
much integrity, zeal, and'fear'bf God, sind^vmliriMitilin- 
blamably in all things, aire Void of jvftifying fiitth'9 ^'CJaa 
you suppose such as these to be under t&e wrath, ilnd- under 
the curse of God ? Especially, if yoa<add t<y thiri,' thid; tlifey 
are oontiuuaHy longing^ striving, prayibg for the assalraitioi 
which they have not ? ') * t =«: 

A. This contains the^vety ^treilgth of Ihe <^ute';J lind'in- 
dines us to thinl, that some of these may be ^ei^pt cases t 
but however that be, we answer, 

1. It is dangerous to ground a gei^ral doctrine mi a fow 
particular experiments : •.'•.•.! 

9. Men may have many good tempeiPs, and a blameless 
life, (speaking in a loose sense), by nature and'habit^ witk 
preventing grace ; and yet not have faith and 'the love of 
C^od. ■:■'•■• ' ' •■ ■ 

3. It is scarcely possible for us to know all the circum- 
stances relating to such persons, soaS to judge certainly 
concerning them : ' ». 

4. But this we know,, if Christ be liot revealed in than, 
they are not yet Ghristian bdieversi* . fi '^ •• ' 

Q. 1 1. But what will be^sOmefof them then, suppose they 
die in this state?' ' ••"• ^-'i-.' •'' ' ' •» <-•*'' ' , - ' .•- 
A. That is a soppositiolri h#l1!b'be mad6J " 
They cannot die in this state: • they rnusi' go backward or 
forward. If they conttnue^4o is^k^ they w91' surely find 



MiKVTESy dee. $89. 

r^hteousness, and peace, and jby m the Holj (sHiest; We 
are confirmed in thisk belief, by (be many instances if e have^ 
seen, of such as these finding peace af the last bcmr. Akid 
it is not impossible, but others may then be made pMkJsen* 
of like precious fitith, and yet go hence, without gfilFiHg^any 
outward proof of the change which God had tnoi^ht. ' ' '^ 



1 • Mil 



CONVERSATION THE mPTtL. 



I.'. 



VFedii^s^y 17. 

Q. 1. How much is allowed by our brethren ivho diffin^ 
from, us, with regard to eiitiiie stecttficatiott? . ;; / 

A. They grant, 1, Tha,t every i^ne must be. entirely sano* 
tified, in the article of death :! .'; 

2. tThat till then, a believer, daily grows in grace, cornet^ 
nearer and nearer to perfection : ^ 

3. That we ought to be continually pressing iifter tUi,» 
and to exhort all others so to do» . .:'..'; \ U 

# 

Q. 2. What do we allow them ? . . /. 

A. W^ gif^uit, i, That many of those who; have died in 
the faith, yea, the greater part of those) we have kD0w%: 
were not sanctified throughout; not made pdrfect m Idve 
till a little before death : , - . i ...: : ..,;:/: 

2. Thai: the term sakct^edy is cpntinually 'ajqplied byr 
St Paul to. all that wsere! justified, were true bdieveiis : / 

3, That by this f term atone, he lardy, if ^r^ meaai^ 
savedfrom all sin e . I . ; : i : j '. 

• 4. That consequently, it is not proper to lue it in this 
sense, without adfiing the words, ^ wholly, entirely,'' OV' 
the'liket ■'. '...'.•!. .:.••;■ _ . 

5. That the inspired writers almost^ continually speakofi 
or ' to those who Were justified ;> bilt very rarely,, either of 
or to those who were wiiolly sanctified^ '• 

6. That consequently, it behoves us to. spcfdc in publie^ 
almost continually of the 'state of justificaiien;^:btttniore 
Tarely, in full and explicit terms, cimceming' entire eimcti* 
fication^- ..- - i '•■ *i '^*< • '■ .•■•./iJ.- 

Q. 3. What then is Iheiioiilt wherein we divide? 



390 MlHVTEBy ice* 

A. It 18 this t Whether we shpubi expect to be saved 
i^om all sia, befim the article of death ? 

( Q. 4« Is there any clear Scriiitttie pcomise of thisy that 
God will save us from aUbini . 

■• A. There is.. Psalm cxzx. 8, He shall redeon Ismd 
from all his sins. 

This is more largely expressed in the prophecy of Eze- 
kiel: ^^ Then will I spri^^kle deaa water ^pon you, and you 
shall be clean ; from all your filthiness and from aU your 
idols will I cleanse you. 1 will also save you from all your 
UDckannesses/* ' xxxri* 25, 89, Nopnmiise can be mdte 
dear. And to this the apostle ptainly rrfeis in that exhort- 
ation, ** Having these promises, let us cleanse oursdves, 
from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in 
the fear of God,'* S Con vii. 1. Equally clear and ex- 
press is that ancient promise, ^^ The Lord thy God willcir- 
cuicite thy heart, and the heart dfthy seed, to love the Lotd 
thy God with all thy heart, and with all t|i'y soul," Deut« 
XXX. 6. 

• Q. 5. Bat does any asserthn answerable to this^<x)car in 
the New Testament ? 

A. There does, and that laid down in the plainest terms. 
So St. John iii. 8, << For this purpose the Son of God was 
manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.'' 
The works of the devil, without any limitation ot restrictkm. 
But all sin. is the work of the devil. Parallel to which is 
that assertion of St. Paul, Eph. v. 85, 37, '< Christ loved 
the church, and gave himsdf for it, that he might present it 
to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or 
any such thing, but that it should be holy and without Ue- 
mish." And to the same lefiect is his assertion, Romans 
Tiii. 3, 4, << God sent his Son" that the ^^ righteousness of 
the law might be fulfilled in us, walking not after the flesh, 
bat after the spirit." 

Q. 6. Does the New Testament aflbid any further groond 
for expecting to be saved from otf sin ? 

A. Undoubtedly it does, both in those prayers and com- 
mands whkh are equivalent to the strongest asseitionc* 



MINUTES, &C. SSi- 

/ 

■ Q. 7, What prayers do you mfam ? 

A. Prayers for entire sanctification ; which, were there lio 
such thing, would be mere mockery; of Grbd. Such, io put!*: 
cular, are, 1, ** Deliver us from evil ;** or ratber^^om the cM 
one. Now when this is done, when we^ are delivieced from all* 
evil, there can be no sin remaining^ 2, ^^ Neither jpray I for 
these alone, but for them also which shall bdiew. os me 
through their word ; that they all may be ooe, as thou, F»^» 
ther, art in me^ and I in thee, thai they also may be one in^ 
us : I in them, and thou in me, that they may. be made'(ier*t 
feet in one,'' John xvii. SO, 21, SS. 3, << I bow my b^es 
unto the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ho^ 
Wbuld grant you, that ye being rodedandgtoundedii^ loVe, 
may be able to comprehend with all saints^ what is the 
breadth, and length, and d^th, and height : And to know 
the love of Christ which passeth] knowledge,^ that ye might: 
be filled With aU the fuhi^ of God. VEph. iii. 14,J(H19. 
4, ^' The very. God of peace sahctifjr you wholly. And 1 
pray God, your whole spirit, soul, and body^ be preserved 
hi^uneless, unto the coming of o\ir Lord Jesus Christ,'* 
1 Thes- V. 23, i' 

'■ Q. 8« W)iat conunand is there to the same efibct ? . 

A. 1. ^^ Be ye perfect as your Father which is in heayeH 
is perfect," MaU. vi; ult. 2, << Thou riialt love the Lord 
thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with 
all thy mind," Matt. xxu. 37. . But if the love of GodM 
all the heart, there can be no sin there. 

Q. &. But how doe^ it appear, that this is to be done be-* 

fore the article of death ? . 

A. First, from the very nature of a command, which is 

ndt given to the deajd, but to the living. Therefore, ^^ Thou 
sbalt love God witb ail thy heart," cannot mean, thou shalt 
do this when thou diest, but while thou livest. 

Secondly, from express twts of Scripture: 1^ ^< The 
grace of God jthat bringeth salvation hath appeared unto, all 
men ^ teaching us, that having reuwnced {o^mvatiMOi) un<^ 
godliness and worldly lustSj we should live sobeilyi right- 
eously, and godly, in this present world ; Iiooking for the 



S9t MINUTES, &C. 

glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Chrut | vrho gave bim- 
self for ns, that he might redeem us from ail iniquity ; and 
purify onto himself a peculiar . people, sfealous of good 
^mrks/f Titus ii. 1I~I4L 8, ^f He hath raised up a horn 
of salvation fiw us, ta'perfimn the mere j< promis^ to our 
fiitliersi the oatfir' whkh. Jie sware to: our ikthat AtNnaham, 
fliat he would grimt unto tfs, that we being delivered out a^ 
the hands* of our envies, Aould serve lummtfaout ftar^ uk 
holiness «nd righteousness before^ hinl, ali the days of our 
life^*''>Iiuke;. 69, &6.'.-:: . 

Q« MKi Isihere any exakuple.in Seriptwe^ persons who 
had attaiilodio this? ^^ «>' . 

A/ YeSif' St« John, and all those of whom he says in lua 
first fiplstle, if«'17, ^' H^ein i»our love made perfect, that 
we nyty hav^ confidende^in tbe^^y of jiidgipeftt, because as 
Iiei$, SO' Hits l^e, id this world. •' rr . .. 

Q^ <ll.;Sut why aieUicie not more, examples of thia 
Jdnd'trecoidediii Ae,N^.Tesiaueiit3 , . t 

Atf It 4oes apt become us to be pereiiiptory in this matter* 
One reaton night poissibly bey because the apostles wrote ta 
the church while it was in a state of infancy. Therefore 
they might mention 'auch persons the more. sparingly, lest 
they should give stuong ii^eat to babes. . . 

jQj IS*. Can yoU shew on^ such example now ? Where 
is iie that i^! thus perfect P . : 

A; To some Vh6 may diake this enquiry, one might an^ 
swer. If I knew one here, I would ndt tell you. ' For you do 
not in^re out of I6v«. You are like Herod. You only 
seek the young child, to slay it. 

But tnore directly we answer,', there are nund[)erless rea- 
sons why^ there should be [few,- (if any indispluftable) exam« 
ple^. '* W^haViticotifeiiiences wbuld this Ining on the perscm 
himself, set as ieK matk- for'^lt M shoot at! What a tempt« 
ation wofald it be to ' othersy wk only iib' men who knew not 
Gbd^ but to'bdH^rers iheUsdVest Hb^-U&lidly would they 
refrain ifrom idbfizing^ stich 'a ^^)^rson ! And y^, bow impro- 
fitaUe logainsayers f ' Foir if they hear ii6t lif odes and the 



uisvtEBy See. 3SS 

prophets, Christ and his apostles, neither wonld they be 
persnaded, though one rose from the dead. 

Q. 13. Suppose one had attained to this, voold you ad» 
rise him to speak of it ? * ' 

A. Not to them who know not God. It wottU only pro* 
Toke them to contradict and Uaspheme : -Nor to any with- 
out some particular reason, without some particular good 
in view. And then they should have cspeciid care, to avoid 
all appearance of boasting. 

Q. ' 14.^ Is it JL'Bin, not to bdieve those who say they have 
attained? 

A. By no means, even though they said true. We ought 

not hastily to believe, but suspend our judgment, till we have 
full and strong proof. 

Q. 15. But are we not apt to have a secret distaste to any 
who say they are saved from all sin ? 

A. 'Tis very possible we may: and that on .several 
grounds : partly from a concern for the honour of God, and 
the good of souls who may be hurt, yea, or turned out of the 
way, if these are not what they profess: partly from a 
kind c^ implicit envy at those who speak of higher attain- 
ments than our own : and partly from our slowness and un- 
readiness of heart, to believe the works of God. ' 

Q. 16. Does not.haishly preaching perfection tend to 
bring believers into a kind' of bondage, or slavish fear i 

A. It does. Therefore, we should always place it in the 
most amiable light, so that it may excite only hope, joy, and 
desire. 

Q. 17. Why may we not continue in the joy of faith, 
even till we are made perfect ? 

A. Why indeed] since holy grief does not quench this 
joy : since even while, we aro under the cross, while we deep- 
ly partake of the sufferings of Christ, we may rejoice with 
joy unspeakable. 

Q. 18. Do we not discourage believers from rejoicing 
evermore ? 

A. We ought not so to do. Let them all their life long^ 
rejoice unto God, so it be with reverence. And even if light- 



3S4r MI)7VTE8, ftc 

ness or pride should mix with their, joy, let us(1riQt strike at 
the joy itself, (this is the! gift cf God,) but at that lightnoK 
<Nr pride, that the evil may cease and the good remain. 

Q. 19. Ought we to be anxiously careful about perfeictioD, 
kst we should die before we have attained ? 

A. In no wise. We' ought to be thus ^^ careful for no» 
0iing," neither spiritual nor temporal. 
; . Q. -90. But ought we hot to be Irdtrftfedf on account of 
the sinful nature which still remains in us ? 

. A. It is good for us to hate a deqpi sense o£!thi8,«iid \o 
be much ashamed before the Lord. But this should only 
incite us the more earnestly, io turn unto Christ every mo» 
ment, atid to driiw %ht, and life, and strength from- him, that 
we may go on, conquering unto conquer. And thcTefine^ 
wlien the sense of our sins most abounds, the sense of his^ love 
should much more abound. 

; Q. Si. Will our joy or our trouble increase, as we grow 
in emce ? 

A. Perhaps both. But without doubt our joy in the ^td 
will increase as our love increases. ' ' / 

* Q. 29. Is not the teaching believers to be continually pio- 
iring upon thdr inbred sin, the ready way to make thekn for- 
get that they were purged' from their former sins^? 

A. We find by experience, it is ; or to make them under- 
value, and account it a little thing :' ^ Whereas indeed, 
(though there are still greater gifts behind) this is inexpres- 
sibly great and glorious. ' . " 



( 335 ) 



MINUTES 

OP SETBRAL OTHER CONVERSATIONS, BETWEEN THE REV. 
MESS. JOHN AND CHARLES WESLEY, AND OTHERS. 



June 25, 1744, &e. 
IT is desired, fliat all things be considered as in the imnie« 
diate presence of God : 

That we may meet with a single eye, and as little children, 
who have every thing to learn : 

That eyery point which is proposed, may be examined to 
the foundation : 

That every person may speak freely whatever is in his 
heart: 

And that every question which may arise, should be 
ifaroughly debated and settled. Mean time let us' aU pray 
for a willingness to receive light, to know of every doctrine, 
whether it b^ of God. 

Q. 1 • How m^y the time of this Conference be made more 
eminently a time of watching unto prayer ? 

A. I. While we are conversing, let us have an especial 
care, to set God always before us. 

2. In the intermediate hours, let us visit none but the sick, 
tind flipend all the time that remains in retirement : 

3. Let us therein give ourseWes to prayer for one another, 
and for a blessing on this our labour. 

Q. S. How fiur does each of us agree to submit to the 
judgment of the majority ? 

A. In speculative things each can only submit, so far as 
his judgment shall be convinced r 

In every practical point each will submit, so far as he can 
without wounding his conscience. 

Q. -3. Can a Christian submit any farther than this, to 
any man, or number of men upon earth ? 

A. It is plain he cannot, either to bishop, convocation, or 
general council. And this is that grand principle of pri- 



336 lilNUTBS, ^c. 

vate judgment, on which all the Refocmers proceeded; 
<^ Every man must judge for himself; because every man 
must give an account of himself to God." 

Q. 4. What may we reasonably expect io be God's 
design in raising up the preachers called Methodists ? 

A. To reform the nation, particularly the church ; io 
spread scriptural holiness over the land. 

Q. 5. What was the rise of Methodism, so called i 

A. In 1729, two young men reading the Bible, saw they 
could not be saved without holiness, fi)Uowed afi^r it, and 
incited others so to do. In 1737 they saw, holiness comes 
by faith. They saw likewise that men are justified befi)ie 
Ibey are sanctified : but still holiness was their point. : 

Grod then thrust them out, utterly against their will, ts 
raise an holy people. When satan could no otherwise bin- 
der this, he threw Calvinism in the way ; and then Antinoi* 
mianism^ which strikes directly at ttie root of all holiness. 

Then many of the Methodists growing rich, became lovers 
of the present world.. Next they married unawakened or 
half-awakened wives^ and conversed with their relations. 
Hence worldly prudence^ maxims^ customs j crept back upon 
them, producing more and more conformUj/ to the world. 

Hence followed gross neglect of relative dutiesy especially 
education of children. And this is not easily cured by the 
preachers. Either they have not light^ or not weight 
enough. 3ut the want of both, may in some measure, be 
supplied by publicly reading the sermons every where, 
particularly the fourth ydiume. 

Q. 6. Is it advisable to preach in as many places as we 
can, without forming any societies i : i 

A. By no means: we have made the. trial in various, pla- 
ces ; and that for a considerable time. But all the seed has 
fidlen as by the way-side : there ; is : scarcely^ any fruit of it 
remaining. 

Q. 7. But what particular inconveniencies do you ob- 
serve, where societies are not formed ? « 

A. These, among others : I The preacha^ cannot give 
proper instructions and exhortations to those . that are con* 



Tinced of sin : 3. They cannot watch over one another in 
love : nor, 3. Can the believers bear one another's burdens, 
and build up each other in faith and holiness* . 

Q. 8. Where should we endeavour to preach most ? 

A. 1. Where we (clergymen) are permitted to preach in. 
a church : 2. Where there is the greatest number of quiet 
and willing hearers : 3. Where there is most fruit. 
. Q. 9. Is field-preaching then unlawful ? 
: A. We conceive not. We do not know that it is con- 
trary to any law, either of God or man. 

Q. 10. Have we not used it too sparingly ? 

A. It seems we have : I. Because our call is, To ^ve that 
which is lost. Now we cannot expect such tp seek us. 
Therefore we should go to seek them, S. Because zoe 
are particularly called, by '^ going into the highways and 
hedges," (which none else will do) to ^* compel them to come 
in." 3. Because that reason against it is not good. '^ The 
house will hold all that come." The house may hold all 
that come to the house, but not all that would come to the 
field. 

The greatest hindrances to this, you are to expect from the 
rich, or cowardly, or lazy Methodists. Bi^t regard them 
not, neither stewardsj^ leaders, nor people. ' Whenever the 
weather will permit, go out, in God's name, into the most 
public places, and call all to ^[ repent, and believe the gos* 
pel ;" ^tf(ty Sunday in particular : especially in the old soci- 
eties, lest they should settle upon their lees. 

Q. 11. Ought we not diligently to observe, in what 
places God is pleased at any time to pour out his Spirit 
more abundantly i 

A. We ought ; and, at that time, to send more labourers 
than usual into that p^rt of the harvest. 

Q. 13. What is a sufficient call to a new place ? 

A. 1. An invitation from a serious man, fearing God, who 
has a house to receive us : 3. A probability of doing more 
good by going thither, than by staying longer where we 
are. 

VOL. VI. Z 



5S8 MMUTB8, Sec. 

Q. 13. How oft^n sball we permit strangers to be present, 
at the meeting of the society t 

A. Let every other meeting of the society, in every place^ 
be strictly private; no one stranger being admitted, on any 
accoiiTit or pretence whatsoever. On the other nights we 
may admit them with caution ; but not the same persons 
alx)ve t\iice or thrice. In order to this, see that all in every 
place shew their tickets before they come in. If the stewards 
iihd leaders are not exact and impartial herein, employ others 
who have more resolution. 

Q. 14. May a relapser into gross sin, confessing his fault, 
be re-admitted into the society ? 

A. Not as a member, till after three months : but he may 
be permitti*(l to stay as a stranger. 

Q. 15. How may the leaders of classes be made more 
useful ? 

A. 1. Let each of them be diligently examined, concern* 
ing his method of meeting a class. 

S. JiCt us recommend to all, the following directions : 

1. Let each leader carefully enquire, how every soul in 
his class prospers? Not only how each person observes the 
outward rules, but how he grows in the knowledge and love 
of God. 

2. Let the leaders converse with all the preachers, as fre- 
quently and as freely as possible. 

3. Let every leader come into the room on Tuesday, as 
soon as the service is ended, and then sit down, and com- 
mune with God in his heart till the preacher come in. 

4. Let no hviders go out till the preacher goes. 

5. Let every leader bring a note of every sick person in 
his class. 

Q. 16. Can any thing farther be done, in order to make 
the meefipg of the classes lively and profitable? 
A. 1. Let the leaders frequently meet each other's classes. 

2. Let us observe, which leaders are most useful to those 
'under their care. And let these meet the other classes as 
often as possible. 

3. Frequently make new leaders. 



Q. 17. How caa wt fertber assist tliose under our oare ? 

A. 1 . By cloBeljr e^i^toiniiig them at ench visitation : 

S. By meeting the married men and women together, on 
the first Stuldlij after the visitation ; the single men and 
ivDmen apart, on the two following. 

3. By instru<^ting them at their own houses. 

What unspediable need is there of this I The world say^ 
^< The Methodisis are no.better than other people :" this i^ 
not true ; yet it is nearer the truth than we are willing to 
imai^ine. 

For, 1, Personal religion, either toward God or man^ is 
amazingly superficial among us. 

I can bat jost touch on a few generals. How little faith> 
is there ^tttiong usl How little living in heaven, walkii^ in 
eternity^ deadness to every creature ! How much love, of the 
world, desire of pleasure, of ease, of praise, of getting 
money! 

How little brotherly love ! What continual judging one 
another ( What gossipping, evil-speaking, tale-bearing! 
What want of moral honesty ! To instance only in a few 
patticulam: 

What servants, journeymen, labourers, carp<mters, brick* 
layers', do as they would be done by ? Which of them does 
as much work as ht can ? Set him down 11^ a knave that 
does not. 

Who does tts be would be done by, in buying and sell- 
ing, particularly in selling horses ? Write him knave that 
does not. And the Methodist^knave is the worst of all 
knaves. 

9y Family religion is shamefully wanting, and almodt Ut 
©Tery branch. 

And the Methodists, in general, will be little better. till we 
taike quite another ooutisie w^ tfaetn. For what avails, pub* 
lie pre(Blching alone> tibough we could preach like angels I 

I hterd Dr. Llipton say^ myfitther, visiting Me of his 
pat ishil>tiers, WJbo had never missed going to church for 
fotty y<edrs, then lying on his death-bed, asked him^ 
^' Thon&ari, wben^ ^ you think your soul wiU.gQ?'' 

? 2 



*.* 



d40 MiKVTES, See* 

4 

^^ Soul ! soul !*' said Thomas : <' Yes : do not you know 
what your soul is?" " Aye, surely,** said he : ** Why, it 
is a little bone in the back, that lives longer than the rest of 
the body." So much Thomas had learned by constantly 
hearing sermons, yea, and exceedingly good sermons^ ffir 
forty years ! 

We must instruct them from bouse to house; till this is 
done, and that in good earnest, the Methodists will be little 
better than other people. 

Can we find a better method of doing this than Mr. Bax- 
ter's ? If not, let us adopt it without delay. His whole tract, 
entitled, Gildas Salvianus, is well worth a careful perusal. 
A short extract from it I have subjoined.' Speakii^ of this 
visitation from house to house, he says, page 351 : 

We shall find many difficulties both in ourselves and 
in the people. . , 

1. In ourselves there is'^uch dulness and laziness; so 
that there will be much ado to get us to be fiuthfiil in the 
work. 

5. We have also a base man-pleasing temper, whidh 
makes us let men perish, rather than lose their love, and let 
them go quietly to hell, lest we should, anger them. 

3. Some of us have also a foolish bashfiilness. We 
know not how to begin, or to speak plainly. We blush to 
speak for Christ, or to contradict the (devil, or to . save a 
soul. 

4. Our interest stops our mouths, and makes us un« 
fiiithful in the work of Christ. 

'' 5. But the general hinderance is, weakness of faith: 
so our whole motion is weak, because the spring (^ it is . 
weak. 

6. Lastly; we are unskiUul in the work. How few 
know how to deal with men, so as to get within them, to win 
upon tboBi, and suit all our discourse to their several condi- 
tions and tempers; to choose the fittest subjects, and follow 
them with a holy mixture of seriousness, and. terror^ and 
love, and meekness, and evangdical allurements 2 ^ - 



A 



laNUTES, &c. 311 

And we hare as many difficulties to grapple with in our 
people. * 

1. Too many of them will be unwilling to be taught^ till 
,we conquer their perverseness by the foite of reason^ and. 
the power of love. 

S. And many are so dull, that they will shun being 
taught for fear of shewing their dulness. And, indeed, you 
will find it extremely hard to make them understand the 
very plainest points. 

3. And it is still harder to fix things on their hearts, with* 
cfut which all our labour is lost. If you have not therefore 
great seriousness and fervency, what good can you expect ? 
And when all is done, it is the Spirit of grace, he alone, 
who must do the wo;rk. 

4. And when, we have made some impressions upon their 
hearts, if we look not after them, they will soon die away. 

But, as great as this labour OT private instruction is, it is 
absolutely necessary. For, after all our preaching, many 
of our people are almost as ignorant as if they had never 
heard t}ie gospel. I study to speak as plainly as I can ; yet 
I firequently meet with those who have been my hearers t^j^ 
many years, who know not, whether Christ be God or man ; 
or, that in&nts have any original sin. And how few are 
there that know the nature of repentance, faith, and holi- 
ness ! Most of them havQ a sort of confidence that Christ 
will justify and save them, while the world has their hearts, 
and they live to themselves. And I have found, by expe- 
nence, that one of these has learned more from an hour's 
dose discourse than froni ten years public [Nreaching^ 

And, undoubtedly, this private application is implied in 
those solemn words of the apostle ; f ^ I charge thee before 
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge tfte quick 
and the dead at his appearing, preach the word, be instant 
in season, out of season ; reprove, rebuke^ exhoi|| with all 
kng-suffering and doctrine.'' 

This is likewise necessary to the greater glory of God, by 
the fuller success of the gospel. • O brethren, if we couki 
generally set this work on foot in our societies, and prose- 



I 

1 



348 M IKCTES, Sso. 

cute it skilfully and zealously, what glory woidd fedouod to 
God thereby ! If the common ignorance were thus banisliedy 
and our vanity and idleness turned into the study of die 
iray of life; and every shop and every house buakd m 
speaking of the word and works of God : surdy God would 
dwell in our habitations, and make them his delight* 

And this is necessary to the wel&re of our people, mamy 
of whom neither believe nor repent to tbis day. Look tovaai 
about, and see how many of them are stili in afqpiai^ 
danger of damnation ! And hoW can you walk, and talk, and 
be merry with such people, wh^ you kiow Iheif oas^l' 
Methinks, when you look them in the fiioe, ymk »h#BU' 
break forth into tears, as. the prophet did wbes he looked 
I upon Hazael, and then set on them with the ntosii Tehemenl 
and importunate exhortations. O then, for God^ sake, aad 
for the sake of poor souls^^estir yourselves,' asd spwe n/^ 
pains that may conduce to Weir salvation. 

What cause have we to bleed before- the Lovd ihis day, 
that have so long neglected this great and g^od workt 
That have been preachers so many years, and have done 
■D little by personal instruction for the saving of piens.^ 
souls! If we had but set on this work sooner, how many 
more might have been brought to Christ ! And kow muck 
holier and happier might we have made our societies before 
now ! And why might we not have done it sooner ? Ihere 
were many hinderances in the way : and so these aoe stUI, 
and always will be : but the greatest hinderaace wasjn our* 
selves, in our dulness and littleness of faith and iove* Q 
that God would thoroughly bumble us, and cause us tk» 
be^;?ail our own nt'glects ; that we may not think it enough 
to lament the sins of others, while we overlook our own I 

But^ ft is objected, 1, This counse will tid^e up so much 
time, (hat we shall have no tinie to follow our stiidSied. 

1 answeer, 1, Gaining knowledge is a good thing; but 
saving souls is a better: 2^ By this very thing you wilt gun 
the most excellent knowledge of God and eternity ^ 3, But 
you vVill have abundant time for gaining othev knowledge 
too, if y Qu spend all your mornings therein. Ody «leep not 



IflHUTBt^ SbC4 349 



more than jrou need ; talk not more than yon ncled ; and 
nerer be idle, nor triflingly employed : bat, 4, If yoo can 
do but one, either follow joor studiesi or Mnstr lict the ijE^no* 
rant; let your studies alone: I would throw by all the lt« 
braries in the world, rather than bis guilty of the perdition 
of one soul. 

It is objected, 2. " The people will not submit to it;** 
If some do not, others will gladly ; and the success with 
them may be so much as to repay nil onr laliour. O let ais 
herein follow the example ctf 8l. Pa ah 1, For our gerieral 
business, \^ Serving the I»ord with all humility of mind :^ 
2, Oiir special work, *^ Take heed to ^odrselves, and to aU 
the flock:" 3, Our doctrine, ^'^ Repe^anee toward God^ 
and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ :" 4, The place and man- 
ner of teaching, ^^ I have taught you publicly, and (rwn 
house to house :" 5, The object and iuternal manner, ^< i 
ceased not to warn every on^' night and day, with fears :*' 
this it is that must win soub and preserve them : 6, His 
innocency and self-denial for the advantage of the gospel, 
^^ I have coveted no roan^s silver or gold :" 7, His patiendb, 
" Neither count I my life dear unto myself." ■ f' 

And among all our motives, these should be eVerbelbrie 
our eyes: 1, ^' The church of God, which he- hath pnf* 
chased with his own Uood :" 2, ^ Grievous wolves ^all 
enter in : yea, of ybur ownselves shall men arise, sneaking 
perverse things." Write all this upon your hearts, and 
it will do yon mote good than twenty years study of lower 
things. 

We may, \y Every preacher, take an e:sact catalogue 
of those in society, from one end of each town to the other : 
8, Go to each bouse, and gire, with suitable exhoKation 
and direction, the ^< Instructions ibc Childten :" 3, Be'sure 
to deal gently wirh them, and take off all discouragements 
as efiectually as you can. See that the children get these 
by heart. Advise the grown pf'rsons to^ee thlittbt^y under- 
stand them s and enlarge upon, and apply. every sentence as 
closely as you eanw And \d your dealiijig with those you 
lNigi» withy be JO giintle, wiimingy aadC convinciBg, that the 



344 MINUTES, &C. 

rq)ort of it may move others ta desire your coming. Tine, 
it is for easier to preachy good sermon, than to inistmct the 
ignorant in the principles of religion. And as much as this 
work is despised by some, I doubt not but it will try the 
parts and spirits of us all. So Archbishop Usher ; ^^ Grreal 
scholars may think it beneath them to spend their time in 
leaching the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. Bat 
(hey should consider, that the laying the foundation ddl- 
fblly, as it is a matter of the greatest importance in the whole 
buildrng, «o it is the master-piece of the wisest builds : 
'^^ According to the grace of God, which is given unto me, 
as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation," saitii 
Jlie great apostle. And let the wisest of us all try, whenever 
we please, we shall find, that, to lay this ground-work 
tightly, to make an ^^ ignorant man understand the grounds 
of religion, will put us to the trial of our skill." 
- Perhaps, in doing this, it {Quay be weU, 
. 1. Afier a few loving words spoken to all in the house, to 
.take each person singly into another room, where you may 
deal closely with 'them, about their sin and misery^ aiKi 
duty. Set these home, or you lose all your labour. At least, 
'let none be present but those who are quite fiimiUar with 
each other. 
S. Hear what the children kave learned by heart. 
3. Choose some of the weightiest points, and try, byfiur- 
(ber questions, how they understand them. As, ^^ Do you 
believe you have sin in you? That you were bwn in sin? 
What does sin deserve? What remedy has God provided 
for guilty, helpless sinners?" 

. 4. Ofien with the question, suggest the answer : As, 
^* What is repentance?" Sorrow for sin, or a ponvictiotn 
that we are guilty, helpless sinners ? "/ What is feith ?" A 
divine conviction of things. not seen?* 

5. Where you perceive they do not understand the stress 

. of your question, you must lead them into it by other ques- 

V tions. So I have asked some, ^^ How do you think yoitr 

many and great sins will be pardoned?" They answer, 

^^ By repenting and mending my life," and never mentioa 



Christ. I ask, ferther, ** But do you tfamk your amendment 
will make satisfaction for your past sins ?" They will answer^ 
<« We hope so, or else we know not what will." Giie would 
think now, these had ho knowledge of Ghrist^t all : andj 
indeed, some haye not; but others have, and give suisb 
answers only because ihey do not understand the scope of 
the question. Ask them ikrther, ^^ Can you be saved with- 
out the death of Christ ?" They: immediately say, ^« No." 
And, if you ask, " Wtat has he done or suffered for ypu ?" 
They will say, "He shed his blood for us," and profess^ 
<^ they trust in that for salvation." But many cannot ex- 
press even what they have some conception of, nay, can 
scarcely learn, when expressions are put into their mouths; 
With these you are todeal exceeding tenderly, lest ihey be 
discouraged. : ^ ^ 

6. If you perceive them troubled, that they cannotari- 
swer, step in yourself, and taker the burden off 'thehi : an- 
swering that question yourself; and then do it thoroughly 
and plainly, and make a full explication of the wbote busi- 
neflistothem. 

^ 7. Thus, when you have tried their knowledge, proceed 
to instruct them yourself, ' according to their seveiul dapa- 
cities. If a man understand the fundamentals, fall on what 
-you perceive he.most needs, either explaining further some 
doctrine of the gospel, or some duty, or shewing the nec^ 
sity of something he neglects, as may be most edifying to 
him. If he be one- that is grossly igndlant, give him a short 
recital of the Christian religion in the plainest words. And 
if you perceive he understands not, go over it again till he 
does, audi if pofiBiWc^ fix it m his membry. ' 

8; Next^ inquire Into h^ state, whether convinced of un- 
convinced ; converted, or unconverted. Tell him, if need 
be, "what xx>nversioa is. And then renew and enforce the 
inquiry V * • . « 

' 94 If you perceive he is unconverted, your next business 
•is, to labour "Mrith all your skill and power, to bring his heart 
to a s^ise^ of hi^ conditioa. Set this home with a more 



946 M ijruTiSy Ac* 

tarnest Toice than yoa spoke before ; tofH job getnet to 
the heart, yoa do nothing. 

10. Conclude all with a strong exhortatkNiy which shooM 
contain two parts: I, The dnty of the hearty in otder to 
leoeive Christ : S, The avoiding former sins, and oonstaRttj 
using the outward means. And here be suie, if you cai, 
to get their promise, to forsake sin, change their company, 
and use means. And do this solemnly ; leminding them of 
the presence of God, that hears their promise^ and will at- 
pect the performance. 

11. Before you leave them, ei^gethe head of each h* 
mity to call all his family together every Sunday, before 
they go to bed, and hear what they can ieheane, and so 
continue till they have learned the Instructions perfectly. 
And afterwards take care, that they do not fofjget what 
they had learned. 

IS. Speakdifferently, according to the diflSsiencerftibem 
you have to deal with, as they are dull and obstinaile, or 
timorous and tender. Be as plain as possible to those «f 
weak capacities, and give them Scripture-proof for all you 

•ay. 

Q. 18. How shall we prevent improper persons froas iop 
sinuating themselves into the society ? 

A. !• Give tickets to none till they aj« recommended 
by a leader, with whom they have met thria months oa 

trial. 

0. Give notes to tone bnt those who are recommended 
by one you know, or till they have , met three ot foiif times 
in n class. 

3. (five them the rules the first time they meet. 

Q. 19. How con we add a proper solemnity to the admis* 
sion of new nierob<*rs? 

A. 1, In all large towns, admit new memhrrs into the 
bands only nt the quarterly love-feast following the visita- 
tion a 2, Head the names of the men to be admitled the 
week before : 3, Admit into the society, only on the Sun- 
day following the quarterly visitation : 4^ Read the names 



MIlfUTEl^ &C. 3(7 

of those to be admitted, on the Sundaiy erening before : 
5, Then also let the names of those be read, who are eac- 
cliided from the society. 

Q. 20. Should we insist every where on the band-rales f 
Particularly, that relating to ruffles ? 

A. By all means. This is no time to give any encourage- 
ment to superfluity of apparel: therefore give no band- 
tickets to any in England, Scotland, or Ireland, till they 
have left them off. 

In order to this, 1, Read m evary society the ^^ Thoughts 
concerning Dress ;" 2, In visiting the classes be very mild^. 
but very strict : 3, Allow no exempt cases, not even of a 
married woman : better one suflfer than many.. 

To encourage meeting in band : 1, In every large society 
have a love-feast quarterly for the bands only : 3, Never 
&il to meet them apart, from the society,, once a week : 
3, Exhort aU believers to embrace the advantage : .4> Give 
a band^ticket to nMie, till they have met a qmcter oa 
trial. 
Q. 21. Have those ia baad 1^ off snuff and dramss i 
A. No. Many ave sliU enriavqd to one or the olhef . In 
order to ledress this, , 1, Let no pveache* touch either oil 
any account : 2, Stron^y dissuade our p^ple from ih/om i, 
3, Aolwer their pretee^ees, |iii!ticulflilljf tb^ii^ qi cufiug tb«i 
eholic, or helping dige^tipn^ 

Q. 22. Do we observe any evil which baft lately {nrevaiW 
ed among our societies ? 

A. . Many of osr members have lately nmried with. iMibo* 
Severs, even such as were wholly uoawakened ; and this 
ha» been attended wkh fetal coasequences. Few of thes^ 
have gained the unbelieving wife or Jiusband : genm^ 
they have themselves either had a iKuvy cross fov tUb, oo 
entirely ililkn back into the work}. 

Q.StS. What caii be done tii» pui a stop< to thiaf 

A. 1. Let every pi^eacber take occasiofi, pubUdy, to ei>» 
ft>rce the apostle's eftutioB, ^^ Be ye not mtequaUy yokeil 
with uBbelieveis.'' 



348 M1NUTE8, &C* 

: S. Let it be openly declare in every plaee, that he itho 
acts contrary to this, will be expelled the society* 

3. When any such is expelled, let an e^chortation be 
subjoined, dissuading otheis firom following that bad ex- 
ample. 

4. And let all be exhorted, to take no step in so weighty 
a matter, without first advising with th^ most serious of his 
brethren. 

Q. S4. Ought any woman to marry without the consent 
of her parents ? 

A. In general, she ought not ; jti there may be an ex- 
ception : for if, 1, A woman be under a necessity of mar- 
rying ; If, 2, Her parents absolutely refuse to let her marry 
any Christian ; then she may, nay, ought to marry without 
their consent : yet, even then, a Methodist-preacher ought 
not to marry her. 

"Q. *25* Do not sabbath*breaking, dram-drinking, evil- 
speaking, -unprofitable I conversation, lightness, gaiety, or 
expcnsiveness of apparel, and contracting debts without 
sufficient care to discharge them, still prevail in several 
places? What method can we take to remove these evils ? 

A. 1, Let us preach expressly and strongly on each of 
these heads : S, Read the sermon upon evil-speaking, in 
every society : 3, Let the leaders closely examine, and ex- 
hort every person to put away the aiccarsed thing : 4, Let 
the preacher warn the society in every place, that none who 
is hereafter guilty can remain with us : <5, In order to give 
them clearer views of the evil of these things, let every 
preacher recommend to evary society, and that frequently 
and earnestly, the reading the books we have published, 
preferably to any other. And whai any* new book is s^t to 
any place, let him speak of it in the public cc^gregation : 
6, Extirpate smuggling, buying or selling uncustomed 
goods, out of every society ; particularly in Cornwall^ and 
in all sea-port' towns. ^ Let no person remain with us, who 
will not totally abstain from every kind and degree of it ; 
and, after admonishing him, silence every, local preacher 
who speaks in defence of it. Speak tenderly, but earnestly 



aod frequently, of it, in every Society near the coasts : and 
read to them, and disperse diligently among them, <^ The 
Word to a Smuggler:" 7, Extirpiite bribery, receiving, 
any thing, directly or indirectly, for yoting in aiiy dee- 
tion. Shew no respect of persons herein, but expel all who 
-touch the accursed thing. Let this be particularly observe 
at Grimsby and St. Ives. Largely shew, in every society, 
the wickedness of thus selling our country. Do the same 
thing in private conversation : and read every where, ^* The 
Word to a Freeholder;" and disperse it with both hands ; 
and in public and private enlarge on economy as a branch 
of religion. 

Q. S6. What shall we do to prevent scandal, whe^ any 
of our members become bankrupts I 
, A. Let two of the principarmembers of the society be der 
puted to examine his accounts. And if he has not kept fiur 
accounts, or has been concerned in ths^ base practice of 
raising money by coining notes, commonly called the . bill- 
trade, 'let him be immediately expelled the society. 

Q. 37. What is the office of a Christian. minister ? 

A. To watch over souls, as he that must give account. 

Q. 28. In what view may we and our helpers be con- 
sidered ? 

A. Perhaps as extraordinary messengers, designed by 
God to provoke others to jealousy. 

Q. S9. What is the office of a helper ? 

A. In the absence of a minister, to feed and guide the 
^ock : in particular, 

1. To expound every morning and evening : (But, N. B. 
He is never, in any place, to begin later in the evening 
tiian seven o'clock, except in harvest-time.) 

3. To meet the united society, the bands, the select so- 
ciety, and the penitents, every weelc^: 

3. To receive, on trial, for the society and bands, and to 
put the disorderly back on trial : 

4. To meet the leaders of the bands and classes weekly, 
and the stewards, and to overlook their accounts. 



S50 MtVVT^i &c. 

Let enty preacher be particalarly exact in the mmtmg 
preaching, and meeting the leaders. 

Q. 90. What are the rules of a helper? 
• A. 1. Be idiligent. Never be anemplojed amomait* 
Never be trifllngly employed. Never idiik away time: 
neither spend any more at any place than is strictly ne- 
eessary. 

8. Be serious. Let your motto be, HoUness to Ae 
Lord. Avoid all lightness, jesting, and foolish talking* 

3. Converse sparingly and cautiously with Women ; par-^ 
ticularly with young women in private. 

4. Take no step toward marriage, without first acquaint- 
u^ us with your design. ' 

5. Believe evil of no one, unless you see it done^ take 
heed how you credit it. Put the best construction on every 
tiling. You know the judge is always supposed to be di 
the prisoner's side. ^ 

6. Speak evil of no one ; else your word especially would 
eat as doth a canker. Keep your thoughts within your own 
breast till you come to the person concerned. 

7. Tell every one what you think wrong in him, and that 
plainly, and as soon as may be, else it will fssLet in your 
heart. Make all haste to cast the fire out of your bosom. 

8. Do not affect the gentleman. You have no more to do 
,with this character than with that of a dancing-maater. A 
preacher of the gospel is the servant of all. 

9. Be ashamed of nothing but sin r not of fetchili^ wood, 
(if time permit), or of drawing water; not of cllsaniilgyqiir 
own shoes, or your neii^hbours. 

10. Be punctual. Do every thing exactly at the tbatt^ 
And,' in general^ do not mend our rules, bat keep thefli: 
not for wrath, bat for conscience' sake* 

11. You have nothing to do but to save souls: there- 
fore spend and be spent in this work. And go always, not 
only to those that want you, but to. those that want you 
most. 

12. Act, in all things, not according to your own will^ 



I 
/ 



■nrvTif, ftc; 351 

bntMftsm in the gospels as such, it is your purt to eoi* 
ploy jrour lime in the manner which we direct ; pardy ia 
preaching and vbiting firooi house to house; partly in read* 
ing, meditation, and prayer : above all, if you labour with 
us in our Lord's vineyard, it is needful that you should do 
ihai part of the work which we advise, at those time$ and 
places, which we judge most for his glory. 
' Q. 31. What general method of employing our time 
would you advise Us to ? 

A. We advise you, 1, As often as possible to rise at four : 
9, From four to five in the morning, and fiom five to mx 
in the evening, to meditate, pray, and read, partly the 
Scripture with the notes, partly the closely practical parts 
of what we have published : 3, From six in the morning to 
twelve, (allowing an hour for break&st), io read, in order^ 
with much prayer, Bishop Pearson on the Creed; The 
Christian Library ; and the other books which we have pub» 
Ushed in pfose or verse. 

Q. 39. ShouM our helpers follow trades f 

A. This is an important question ; therefore it will be 
proper to consider it thoroughly. The question is not, whe- 
ther they may occasionally work with - their hands, as 
St. Paul did; but whether it be proper for them to ke^ 
shop and follow merchandise. Of those who do so at pre- 
sent, it may be observed, they are, unquestionaUy, upright 
men : they ard men of considerable gifts. We see the firuit 
of their labour, and they have a large share in ihe esteem 
and love of the people. All this pleads on their side, and 
cannot but give us a prejudice in their favour. Three of 
these urge necessity for doing this : one that he may fadp 
his aged father ; another, that he may maintain his wife ; a 
third, that he may keep his children ; a fourth does not 
plead any necessity, but a desire of doing more good. One 
answered J. O. ^^ If you cannot help your father without 
trading, and, if the societies either cannot or will not, I 
will allow him what you allow him now : so this necessity 
is at an end.'* To Ja. O. it was answered, " Your wife 
wants nothing yet : it is not likely she ever will : you have 



3S9 MINUTEt, &Gi 

money beforehand ; so jour necessity is hot yet begun.'' 
To R. R.' ^^ You 'do not want now: when you da. want 
any thing for your children, you shall have it : so here is 
lib necessity." 

i As to the second plea, doing more good, it was inquired, 
is it not doing evil that good may come ? Is not the thing 
in question both evil in itself, (for us) and evil in its con- 
sequences ? First, Is it not, with regard to travelling 
preachers, evil in itself? Is it well omsistent with that 
scripture, S Tim. iiw 4, ^^ No nmn that warreth,'' takes on. 
him the. profession of a scddier, as we eminently do, ^^ ctt- 
tahgleth himself with the aflhiraof this life ;" plainly refer- 
ring to the Roman law, which absolutely forbade any sol- 
dier to follow any other profession. Is it well consistent with 
that word, ^' Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, 
to teaching : meditate on these things; give thyself wholly 
to them,'* 1 Tim. iv. 13, 15. Can we be said to give our- 
selves wholly to these things, if we follow another prc^ss- 
sion? Does not our church, in her office of ordination, 
require every minister to do this ? If they ido not, the more 
shame for them : but tliis plainly shews, what both they 
and we ought to do. We indeed more particularly ; be- 
cause God has called us to ^^ provoke them to jealousy ;" 
to supply their lack of service to the sheep that are yet 
without shepherds, and to spend and be spent thercjin. We, 
above all ; because .every travelling preacher solemnly pro- 
fesses to have nothing else to do, and receives his little al- 
lowance for this very end, that he .may not need to do any 
thing else ; that he may not be entangled in the things of 
this life ; but may give himself wholly to these things. 

Secondly, Is it not evil in its consequences ? Have not 
some ill consequences appeared already ? And is there not 
the greatest reason to apprehend that still worse would fol- 
low ? We are concerned to give no offence, either to Jew or 
Grentile,. or to the church of God. But this has already 
offended, not only many of the world, but many of our own 
brethren. Many of the preachers in particular have been 
much grieved ; yea, and those most who were most alive to 



MINUTES) &q. 553 

God, Now the beginning of offence, " is as when one 
letteth out water :" Who can gather it up i^ain? They are 
grieved the more, because they apprehend this would be an 
increasing evil : for where will it stop ? If one preacher fol- 
low trade, so may twenty ; so may eyery one. And if any 
of them trade a little, why not ever so much ? Who can fix 
how far he should go ? Thierefore,, we advise our brethren 
who have been concerned herein, to ^ive up all, and attend 
to the one business. And we doubt not but God will recom- 
pense them a hundred fold, even in this world as well as 
in the jcvorld to come. 

It is true, this cannot be done on a sudden : but it inay 
between this and the aext Conference. And even as. to the 
drops that many have sold, if their wives sell them at home, 
well : but it is not proper for any preacher to hawk them 
about : it has a bad appearance: it does not well suit the 
dignity of his calling. J 

Two years after, it was agreed by all our brethren, that 
no preacher who will not relinquish his trade of buying and 
selling, or of making and vending pills, drops, balsams, or 
medicines of any kind, shall be considered as a travelling 
preach^ any longer ; and that it shall be demanded of all 
those preachers, who have traded in cloth, hardware, pills, 
drops, balsams, or medicines of any kind, at the next Con* 
&rence, whether they have entirely left it off, or not? 

Q^ 33. Why is it, that the people under our care are ^ 
no better ? 

A. Other reasons may concur ; but the chief is, because 
W& are not more knowing and more holy. 

Q. 34. But why are we not more knowing? 
s A. Because we are idle. We forget the very first rule, • 
" Be diligent. Never be unemployed a moment. Never 
be triflingly employed. N^yer while away time : neither 
spend any more time )at any place than is strictly neces- 
sary." 

I feai^ there is altogether a fault in this matter ; and that 
few of us are clear. Which of you spends as many hours a 

VOL. VI. A a 



354 MINUTES, &;<v 

day, in Gfod*8 work, •as you did formerly in manV work ? 
We talk) or read history, ^or what comes next to handr 

We roust, absolutely must, cure this eril, or give up the 
whole work. 

But how? 1, Read the most useful books, and that regu- 
larly and constantly. Steadily spend all the morning in this 
employ, or at least, five hours in twenty-four. 

^^ But I read only the Bible :" then you ought to teach 
others to read only the Bible, and, by parity of reason, to 
hear only the Bible : but, if so, you need preach no more. 
Just so said Greorge Bell. And what is the fruit ? Why 
now, he neither reads the Bible, nor any thing else. 

This is rank enthusiasm. If you need no book but the 
Bible, you are got above St. Paul : he wanted others too. 
^^ Bring the books,'' says he, ^^ but, especially, thfe parch- 
ments," those written on parchment. 

^^ But I have no taste for reading." Contract a taste for 
it by use, or Fetpii< to your trade. 

But different men have difierent tastes : therefore, some 
may read less than others, but none should read less than 
this. 

*^ But I have no books." 1 will give each of y^u, as 
&st as you will read them, books, to the value of five 
pounds. And I desire the assistants will t^ke care, that 
all the large societies provide The Christian Library, or 
at least the Notes on the New Testament, for the use of the 
preachers. 

3. In the afternoon follow Mr. Baxter's plan ; then you 
will have no time to spare ; none for learning Latin, or 
Greek, or Hebrew ; you will have work enough for all 
your time. Then likewise no preacher will stay with us, 
f?ho is as salt that has lost its savour : for, to such, this 
employment would be mere drudgery : and, in order to 
it, you will have need of all the knowledge you can pro- 
cure. 

The sum is. Go into even/ house^ in course, and teach 
every one therein ; young and old„ if they belong to us, to 
1)0 Christians inwardly and outwardly. 



MINUTES, &C« 355 

Make every particular plain to their understanding. Fix ^ 
it in their memory. Write it on their heart. In order to 
this, there must be "line upon line, precept upon precept." 
I remember to have heard my father asking my mother, 
^^ How could you have the patience to tell that blockhead 
the same thing, twenty times over ? " She answered, 
" Why, if I had told him but nineteen times, 1 should 
have lost all my labour." What patience indeed, what 
love, what knowledge is requisite for this ! 

Q. In what method should we instruct them ? 

A. Read, explain, enforce, 

1. The Rules of the Society : 

3. Instructions for Children : 

S. The fourth Volume of Serqions : 

4. Philip -Henry's Method of Family Prayer. 

Over and above : where there are ten children in a so* 
ciety, spend at least an hour with them twife a week. And 
do this, not in a dull, , dry, formal manndlf but in earnest, 
with your might. , 

" But I have nogift for this." Crift or no gift, you are 
to do it, else you are not called to be a Methodist preacher^ 
Do it as you can, till you can do it as you would. Pray 
earnestly for the gift, and use the means for it ; particu* 
larly studying the children's tracts. , 

Q. 35. Why are not we more holy ? Why dp not wc 
live in eternity ? Walk. with God all the day long ? Why 
are we not all devoted to God ; breathing the whole spirit 
of missionaries ? 

A. Because we are enthusiasts : looking for the end, 
without using the means. 

To touch only upon two or three instances. 

Do you rise at four, or even at live, when you do not 
preach ? 

Do you fast once a week ? Once a pionth ? Do you know 
the obligation, or benefit of it ? 

Do you recommend the five o'clock hour for private 
prayer? Do you observe it? Do not you find,^ that any 
timpi^no time ? 

Aa2 



S66 mvuTfSy fte. 

O let Of aU << stir iiptbe gift of God tkilis in us ! *' Lrt 
Hi no more '^sleqi as do otbeis: " Bat whatsoever our 
<<band findeth to do/" let as << do it with our might !*' 

Q. 96. Who tf the avistant ? [Now termed superin- 
tendant.] 

A* That preacher in each ciicuit, who is nppoinled from 
time to time to take chaige of the societies, and the other 
preachers therein. 
Q. 37. How should an assistant be qualified for this chaige ? 

A* By walking closely with God, and haying his work 
greatly at heart ; by understanding and loVing discifdme, 
ours in particular ; and by loving the Church ei Ei^Iand, 
and resolving not to separate from it. 

Q. 38* What is the business of an assistant ? 

A . 1 , To see that the other preachers in his circuit behave 
weU, and want nothing : 3, To visit the classes quarterly 
in each place, regulate the bands, and. deliver new tickets: 
S, To keep watOT-nights and love-feaits : 4, To take in, or 
put out of the bands or society : 5, To hold quarterly-meet^ 
ings ; and therein diligently to enquire both into the spiri- 
tual and temporal state of each society : 6, To take car^ 
that every society be duly supplied with books, and that 
the money for them be constantly returned : 7, To send 
from every quarterly-meeting a circumstantial account to 
London, of every remarkable conversion, and of every one 
that dies in the triumph of faith : 8, To take exact lists oi 
his societies every Easter, and bring them to the next Con- 
ference : 9, To meet the married men, the married women, 
the single men^ the single women, in the larger societies 
once a quarter : 10, To see that every society have a pri- 
vate room, and a set of the Library, or the Notes for the 
helper: and, 11, To travel with me, if required, once* a 
year, through the societies in his circuit. 

Q. 39. Ought we to insist upon our rule, that no preacher 
print any thing without your (Mr. Wesley's) approbation ? 

A. Undoubtedly. And whoever does it for the time to 
come, cannot take it ill, if he be exduded from our oon-^ 
nexion. Let every one take this warning, and afterwards 
Uame none but himself. 



MINUTES^ &C« SS7 

Q. 40. Biit has the office of an assistant been throughly 
executed ? 

A. No ; not by one in threel .For instance, Every assistant 
ought, 1, To "see that the other preachers behave well.'' 
But who has sent me word whether they do or not ? 2, ^* To 
yisit the cksse^, regulate the Imnds, and deliver tickets 
quarterly.'* How few have done this I 3, Love-feasts for 
the bands have b^n neglteted. 4, Nor have persons been 
regulariy taken in, or put out of the bands. 5, I fear many 
of the quarterly-meetings are formal, not spiritual. 6, The 
societies lire not half supplied with books, not even with The 
Christiain Pattern, Insti^ctions for Children, and The Primi*' 
tive Physic, which ought to be in every house. And why 
(Should not each of you do like ^V. Pennington ? carry books 
with you thro' every round : eXert yourselves in this. Be not ^ 
ashamed. Be not weary. Leave no stone unturned. 7, How 
few Accounts have I had, either of remalkable deaths, or 
remarkable conversions ! How few exact lists have we re- 
ceived of the societies ! Take more time, and more pains 
in preparing them. 9, Who of you have mel the married 
and single men and women once a quarter, even in the 
largest societies ? 10, You have not provided a private 
rodm every where for the preacher : nor a bed to himself t 
neither the Library, for want of i^hich, some stui read 
trash. Till this can be done, let there be immediately in ' 
every place, at least the Notes and the tract on Original Sin. 

Q. 41. Are there tuiy other advices which you would 
give the assistants? 

A. Several. 1, Take a regular catalogue of your societies, 
as .they live in house-row. 2, Leave your successor a par- 
ticular account of the state of the circuit. 3, See that every 
band-leader have the rules of the bands. 4, Vigorously, 
but calmly, enforce the rules concerjpiug ruffles, drams, 
snuff, and tobacco. When any person is admitted into the 
society, even good-breedii|g, requires him to conform to the 
rules of that society. The same you should, enforce in Scot- 
land as in England : the Scots will hear reason as well as the 
English. 5, As soon as there are four men or women be- 



358 MINUTES, &C. 

tievers in any place, -put them into a band. 6, Every Vfhere 
insist on decency and cleanliness : tell them cleanliness is 
next to godliness. 7, Suffer no love-feast to last above an 
hour and a half; let not one duty interfere with another, 
and stop aU breaking the cake with one another. That silly 
custom was introduced by James Wheatley, and creates 
much confusion. And, 9, Inform all the people from time 
to time, that none should remove from one society to an- 
other, without a sufficient reason ; and that those who desire 
to remove, are to acquaint you with their reasons, and to 
have a certificate in these words, (else they will not be re- 
ceived in other societies,) '^ A. B. the bearer, is a member 

of our society in M . I believe he has a sufficient cause 

for removing." 10, In every place, exhort those vrho were 
brought up in the Church, to continue therein. And in vi- 
siting the classes, ask every one, ^^ Do you go to Church 
as often as ever you did ? " Set the example yourself: and 
immediately alter every plan that interferes therewith : /so 
that every preacher may attend the Church, at least two 
^Sundays out of four. 

Is there not a cause ? Are we not unawares by little and 
little, sliding into a separation from the Church ? O remove 
^very tendency thereto with all diligence. 1, Let all our 
preachers go to Church. 3, Let all the people go constant- 
ly : and, 3, Receive the sacrament at every opportunity. 
4, Warn all against niceness in hearing, a great and pre- 
vailing evil. 5, Warn them also against despising the 
prayers of the Church, 6, Against calling our society a 
church, or the church. 7, Against calling our preachers 
ministers, our houses meeting-houses, (call them plainly 
preaching-houses.) 8, Do not license them as such: the 
proper form of a petition to the judge or justice is, ** A. B. 
desires to have his house in C , licensed for public wor- 
ship." 9, Do not license yourself till you are constrained, 
and then not as a Dissenter, but a Methodist preacher. It 
is time enough when you are prosecuted, to take the oaths, 
and by so doing you are licensed. 

Q. 43. But are we not Dissenters ? 

A. We are irregular, I, By calling sinners to repentance, 



... /■ ■ » 

MINUTES, &:c. 359 

in all places of God's dominion. 9^ By frequently using 
Extemporary prayer. Yet we are not Dissenters in the only 
sense which our law acknowledges : namely, persons whd 
believe it is sinful to attend the service of the Church : for 
we do attend to it at all opportunities. We will Hot, 
dare not separate from the Church, for the reasons given 
several years ago. We are not Seceders, nor do we 
bear any resemblance to them. We set out upon quite 
opposite principles. The Seceders laid the verv founda- 
tion of their work in judging and condemning others. 
We laid the foundation of our work, in judging and con- 
demning oursdves. They begin every \^here, with shewing 
their hearers, how fallen the Church and ministers are. We 
begin every where, with shewing our hearers, how fallen 
they are theitiselves. * 

And as we are not Dissenters from the Church now, so 
we will do nothing willingly, which tends to a separation 
from it. Therefore, let every assistant immediatisly so order 
Ills circuit, .that no preacher may be hindered from attend* 
ing the Church, more than two Sundays in the montbi 
Never make light of going to Church, either by word, or 
deed. Remember Mr. Hook, a very eminent and /zealous 
Papist ; when I asked him, '^ Sir, What do youfor public 
worship here, where you have no Romish sermon ?" He 
answered, ^^ Sir, I am so fully convinced, it is the duty of 
every man to worship God in public, that t go to Church 
every Sunday. If I cannot have such worship as I would^ 
I will have such worship .as I can." 

But some may say, " Our own service is public wor; 
ship." Yes, in a sense : but not such as supersedes the 
Church service. We never designed it should^ we have a 
hundred times professed the .contrary. It pre-supposes pub- 
lic prayer, like the sermon^ at the university^ Therefore I 
have over and over advised, ^^ use no long prayer, either 
before or after sermon." Therefore I my^f frequently use 
only a collect, and never enlarge in prayer, unless at inter- 
cession, or on a watch-night, or on some extraordinary oc- 
casion. 

If it were designed to be instead 6f the Church-service, it 



S60 VtKUTEt, &ۥ 

would be essentially ^defectiye.^ For it seldom has the four 
graqd parts of public prayer; deprecation^ petition, in- 
tercession, and thanksgiying;. Neither is it, eren on the 
Lord's day, concluded with the Lord^s supper. 

The hour for it on that day, unless where there 13 some 
peculiar reason for a variation, should be five in the morn- 
ing, as well as in the evening. Why should we make Grod*s 
day the shortest of the seven ? 

But if the people put ours ^ in the room of the Church 
service, we hurt them that stay with us, and. ruin ^em (hat 
leave us. For then they wiU go no where, but lounge the 
sabbath away, without any public worship at all» 

I advise, therefore, all the Methodists in England and 
Ireland, who have be^i broi^htup in thci Church, Con* 
stantly to attend the service of the Church, at least eveff 
]U>rd'sday. 

Q. 43. Are nil our preachers merciful to their beasts ? 

A. Perhaps not Every one ought, tiot only tolide it 
moderately, but also to see with his own eyes, his horse 
nibbed, fed, and l)edded. 

Q. 44. Do we sufficiently watch over our helpers ? 

A. We might consider those that are with us as out pu- 
pils ; into whose behaviour and studies we should therefore^ 
make a particular inquiry every day. 

Should we not frequently ask each. Do you walk closely 
with God ? IH^ve you now fellowship with the Father and 
the Son ? At what houjr do you rise ? Do you punctually 
observe the morning and evening hour of retirement ? Do 
you spend the day in the manner which we advise? Do you 
read the books we advise, and no other ? Do you . fast as 
often as your health will permit ? Do you converse seriously, 
usefully, and closely ? Do you pray before, and have you 
a determinate end in every conversation ? 

To be more particular : 

Do you use alUhe means of grace yourself, and enforce 
the use of them on all persons X 

They are either instituted or prudential. 

I. The instituted are^ 



MINUTES, &C» 3Gt 

1^ Prayer ; private, family, public : consisting of depre* 
cation, petition, intercession, thanksglying. 

Do you use each of these constantly (at set times) and 
fervently? 

Do you use private prayer every mpming and evening? 
If you are your own master, at five in the evening, and tho 
hour before or after morning preaching ? 

Do you forecast wherever you are, how to secure these 
hours? 

Do you avow it every where ? 

Are you resolute herein ? 

Do you call y(mr family tcgetber at five ? 

Do you ask everywhere, 1, Have you family prayer? 
S, Do you retire at five o'clock? 

II . Searching the Scriptures, by, 

1. Reading, constantly, some part. ev6ry day, and at 
all vacant hours, regularly, all the New Testamept, at 
least, and the Les§o^ for Children, in order; carefully, with 
the Notes, seriously, deliberately, with much prayer pre- 
ceding, accompanying and foUowii^; fruitfully, imn^edi- 
ately practising i?rhat you. learn there J 

What other books do you read? J9 it wise to read any, 
till you have read, our Tracts, itfid the Christian Library? 

Do you give the mprning to. reading, nrriting, and 
prayer ? 

3. Meditating : at set time$ ? How ? By Bbhop Halfs, 
or Mr. Baxter's rule ? How long ? 

3. Hearing r constantly? Every morning? 

Humbly ? Uncritically, devoutly ? 

CarefiiUy? With prayer before, at, after? 

Fruitfully? Immediatdiy putting in practice? 

Have you a New Testament always in your poeket? 

(See that the Notes are in every society. £x]plain them 
to the congregation^) 

III. The Lord's-Supper. Do you use this. 
At every opportunity? With due preparation? 

That is, with solemn prayer ? With earful self-examina- 



'S69 MINUTES, &rc. 

tion ? W ith deep repentance suited thereto ? With earnest 

and deliberate self-devotion ? 

'* Do you, in communicating, discern the Lord's body? 

Do you afterward retire, not formally, but in earnest ? 

ly. Fasting : God led us to this at Oxford. And he led 
all of you to it, when you firsft set out. ' ^ ,. 

How often. do you fast now? Every Friday? Inwhi^ 
degree ? 

V. Christian conference. 

Are we convinced, how important, and how difficult it is 
io order our conversation right ? 

Is it always in grace? Seasoned with salt? Meet to, mini- 
ster grace to the hearers ? 

Do we not converse too long at a time ? Is not an hour at 
a time commonly enough ? 

Would it not be well • to plan our conversation before- 
hand ? To pray before and after it ? 
' II. Prudential means we may use either as common Chris-* 
tians, as 'Methodists, as preachers, or as assistants. 

1. As common Christians. What particular rules have 
you, for avoiding evil ? Doing good ? Grrowing in grace ? 
What arts of holy living? 

2. As Methodists: Do you never miss any meeting of the 
society ? Neither your class, or band ? 

3. As preachers : Do j^ou meet every society weekly ? 
Also the leaders ? And bands, if any ? 

Do you visit the sick ? And the well ? Instructing mas- 
ters and parents ? And in all relative duties ? 

4. As assistants : Do you fill up and regulate the bands 
wherever you come ? Diligently inquire into the state of the 
books, and do all you can to propagate them ? Keep watch- 
nights once a month ? And love-feasts once a quarter, for 
all the Society ? 

Do you visit every society once a quarter, and regulate 
all things therein ? 

Do you take a regular catalogue of your societies, at 
least, once a year? 



mmvTtSy &c. 363 

Do you write me an account of all the defects or the com- 
mon preachers, which you cannot yodrself cure ? 

These means may be used without fruit. . But there are^ 
some means which cainnot : namely, watching, denying 
ourselves, taking up our qross, exercise of the presence of 
God. 

1. Do we steadily watch against the world, the devil, our- 
selves ? The besetting sin ? 

g. Do you deny yourselves every useless pleasure of 
sense ? Imagination ? Honour ? Are you temperate in aft 
things ? To take one instance, in food ? Do you use only 
that kind and that degree, which is best, both for the body 
and soul ? Do you see the itecessity of this ? 

Do you eat no flesh suppers ? No late suppers ? -These 
naturally tend to destroy bodily health ? 

Do you eat only three meals a day? If four, are you not 
an excellent pattern to the flock ? ' ♦ 

* Do you take no more food than is necessary at each meal? 
You may know if you do, by a load at your stomach : by 
drowsiness, or heaviness ; and, in a while^ by weak Or bad 
nerves. 

Do you use only that kind, and that degree of drihk, 
which is best, both for your body and soul ? 
'. Do you drink water ? Why not ? Did you evet ? Why 
did you leave it off? If not for health, when will you b^in 
again ? To-day ? 

How often do you drink wine or ale ? Every day ? Do 
you want or waste it ? r 

' 3. Whereiti do you take up your cross daily ? Do you 
cheerfully bear your cross (whatever is grievous tq nature) 
as a gift of God, and labour to profit thereby ? 

4. Do you endeavour to set God always before you ? To 
see his eye continually fixed upon you ? Never can you use 
these means, but a blessing will ensue : and the more you 
use them, the more will you *< grow in grace, and in the 
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Q. 45. What can be done, in order to a closer union of 
our helpers with each other ? 



I 

f 



3M MiiruTB8> &;c* ' 

A. 1. Let them be deeply convinced of the want there is 
of it at'present, and the absolute necessity of it. 

2. Let them pray fi>r an earnest desire of union* 

3. Let them speak freely to each other. 

4. When they meet, let them never part without prayer. 

5. Let them beware how they despise each other's giRs. 

6. Let them never speak slightingly of each other in any 
kind. 

7. Let them defend one * another's characters in every 
thing, to the utmost of their power : And, 

8. Let them labour in honour, each to prefer the other 
before himself. 

Q. 46. How shall we avoid^pularity ? We mean such 
esteem, t>r love from the people, as is not for the glory of 
God? 

A« li Earnestly pray for a piercing sense of the danger 
there is, and the sinfulness of it. 

S. Take care how you ingratiate yourself with any peo- 
ple, by slackness of discipline : ^ 

3. Or, by any method which another preacher camiot 
follow. 

4. Warn the people, among whom you are most, of 
esteeming or loving you too much. 

5. Converse sparingly with those who are particularly 
fond of you. 

Q. 47. How often should our helpers preach? 

A. Not more than twice a day, unless on a Sunday, or 
some extraordinary occasion. 
. Q. 48. Which is the best general method of pieachiiig ? 

A. 1. To invite : S. To convince : 3. To offer Gbrist^: 
4. To build up ; and to do this, in some measure, in every 
sermon. 

Q. 49. Are there any smaller advices relating to preach- 
ing, which might be of use to us ? 

A. Perhaps these, 1. Be sure to begin and end, precisely 
at the time appointed. 

2. Endeavour to be serious, weighty, and sdemn in your 
whole deportment before the congregation. 



• • 



MINUTES, &C. 365 

3. Always suit your subject to the audience. 

4. Choose the plainest texts you can. 

6. Take care not to ramble from your text, but keep close 
to it, and make out from it what you take in hand. 

6. Beware of allegorizing or spirtualizing too much. 

7. Take care of any thing awkward or affected, either in 
your phrase, gesture, or pronunciation. 

8. Tell each other, if you observe any thing of this kind. 

9. Sing tio hymns of your own composing. 

10. Wfthout a pressing reason, do not pray above eight h 
or ten minutes, at most, without intermission. 

1 1. It would be well for every young preacher, frequent- 
ly to exhort, without takingftoy text : and for every one, 
young or old, frequently to read and enlarge upon a portion 
of the notes. 

Q. 50. What sermons do we find by experience to be at- 
tended with the greatest blessing ? 

A. 1. Such as are most close, convincing, searching; 
9. Such as have most of Christ: 3. Such as urge the 
heinousness of men's living in contempt or ignorance of 
him. 

Q. 51. But have not some <^ us Seen led off from practi- 
cal preaching, by, what was called, preaching Christ ? 

A. Indeed we have. The most efibctoal way of preaching 
Christ is, to preach him in all his offices; and to declare 
his law, as well as his gospel, both to believers and unbe- 
lievers. 

Q. 5S. Do we now all preach strongly and closely, con- 
cerning both inward and outward holiness i 

A. It would be well, if we were more frequently and more 
largely to insist upon it in all its branches. 

Q. 53. Do we insist enough on practical religion in gene- 
ral ? And in particular, on relative duties ? Using the means 
of grace ? Private prayer ? Self-denial ? Fasting ? Serious- 
ness? 

. A. It seems most of us have been wanting herein. Let 
us take care to su^ly this- defect for the future. 



S66 MINUTES. &Cr- 

Q. 54. How shall we be assured that no preacher will 
ever disappoint a congregation ? 

A. Ask every on^, 1. Do you see the great sin, and fatal 
consequences of it ? 2. Will you break a limb rather than 
wilfully break your word herein ? 3. If you do, can you 
blame us, for not employing you any. more ? 

Q. 55. How shall we guard against formality in public 
worship? Particularly in singing ? 

A. ] . By preaching frequently on that head : 3. By tak- 
ing x:are to speak only what we feel : 3. By choosing such 
hymns as are proper for the congregation; generally hymn& 
of prayer or praise, rather than descriptive of particular 
states : 4. By not siqging tocynuch at once ; seldom more 
than five or six verses : 5. By suiting the tune to the nature 
of the hymn : 6. By often stopping short, and asking the 
people, " Now! Do you know what you said last? Did 
you speak no more than you felt ? Did you sing it as unto 
the Lord i with the spirit and with the understanding 

also?" 

Q. 56. What can be done to make the people sing true? 

A. 1. Learn to sing true yourselves : 2. Recommend the 
tunes every where : 3. If a preacher cannot sing himself, 
let him choose two or three persons in every place to pitch, 
the tune for him. 

Q. 57. What is ii jl^ to take just after preaching? 

A. Lemonade; candied orange peel, or a little soft, wtoni 
ale. But egg and wine is dojsvnright poison. 

Q. 58. How shall we try those who tbinkthey are moved 
by the Holy Ghost to preach ? 

A« Inquire, 1. Do they know God as a pardoning God? 
Have they the love of God abiding in them ? Do they desire? 
and seek nothing but God ? And are they holy in all manner 
of conversation ? 2. Have they gifts, as well as grace, for 
the work ? Have they, in some tolerable degree, a clear, 
sound understanding? Have they a right judgment in the 
things of God ? Have they a just conception of salvation by 
faith ? And has God given them any degree of utteraace ? 



MINUTES, &C. 367, 

Do they speak justly, readily, clearly ? 3. Have they fruit ? 
Are any truly convinced of sin and converted U> God by 
their preaching ? 

As long as these three marks concur in any erne, we be- 
lieve he is called of God to preach. These vfe receive as 
sufficient proof, that he is moved thereto by the Holy 
Ghost. 

Q. 59. But how shall we know, whether they concur or 
not, in any particular person ? 

A. 1. If he be near us, we will talk with him on the pre- 
ceding heads, and hear .him preach. 

2. We will desire him to write down, or relate the rea- 
sons, why he thinks he is called of God thereto. 

3. We will examine those who seem to 'be convinced of 
sin, or converted to Grod by his preaching. 

4. If he be at a distance, we will desire the assistant to do 
this : and to inquire, what is the judgment of his brethren 
concerning him. 

Q. 60. What method may we use in receiving a new 
helper? 

A A proper time for doing this, is at a Conference, after 
solemn fasting and prayer. 

Every person to be admitted is then to be present, and 
each of them may be asked, 

'^ A. B. Have you faith in Christ ? Are you gcHug on to 
perfection ? Do you expect to be perfected in love in this 
life? Are you groaning after it? Are you resolved to devote 
yourself wholly* to God and his work ? Do you know the 
Methodist-plan ? Have you read the Plain Account ? The 
Appeals? Do you know the Rules of the Society? Of the 
Bands ? Do you keep them ? Do you take no snuff; tobac- 
co ; drams ? Do you constantly attend the Church and sa- 
crament? Haveyou read the Minutes? Are you willing to 
conform to them ? Have you considered the twelve Rules of 
a Helper ? Especially the first, tenth, and twelfth ? Will 
you keep them for conscience'-sake ? Are you determined to 
employ all your time in the work of God ? Will you preach 
every morning and evening ? Endeavouring not to speak too 



968 MINUTES, &C. 

long, (an hour in the whole) or too loud ? Not lolling with 
your elbows ? Have you read the Rules of Action and Ut- 
terance ? Will you. meet the society, the ban^, the select 
society, and the leaders in erery place ? Will you diligent- 
ly and earnestly instruct the children, and visit from honse 
to house ? Will you recommend fasting, both by precept 
and example ?" 

We may then receive him as a probationer, by giving 
him the Minutes of the Conference inscribed thus : 

" To A. B. 

<^ You think it your duty to call sinners to repentance. 
Make full proof hereof, and we shall rejoice to receive yon 
as a feUow-labourer. 

^^ Observe, you are not to ramble up and down, but to go 
where the assistant directs, and there only." 

Let him then read, and carefully weigh what is con- 
tained therein, and see whether he can agree to them, or 
not. 

If he can, let him come to the Qext Conference, where, 
afler examination, fasting, and prayer, he may be received 
into full connexion with us, by giving him the Minutes, in- 
scribed thus : 

** So long as you freely consent to, and earnestly endea< 
vour to walk by, these rules, we shall rejoice to acknow- 
ledge you as a fellow-labourer." 

Mean time, let none exhort in any of our societies with- 
out a note of permission from the assistant. Let every ex- 
horter take care to have this renewed yearly. And let eveiy 
assistant rigorously insist upon it. 

Q. 61. How can we provide for worn-out preachers ? 

A. Those that can preach a little may be supernumerary 
preachers where there is most need. As for those who can- 
not preach at all, 

J. Let every travelling preacher contribute half a guinea 
yearly at the Conference. 

2. Let every one, when first received as a travelling ' 
preachy, pay one guinea. 



* -Ifc- 



MIKUTE8) &C. 369 

3« Let this be lodged ia the' hands of the stewards ap- 
proved of by the majority of the preachers. ^ 

4. The present stewards are Joseph Cownly and Joha 
Murlin. ' 

5. Out of this let provision be made, first for the wora«^ 
out preachers, then for the widows and children pf those 
that are dead^ 

6. Every worn-out preacher shall receive, at least, ten 
pounds a year. 

7. Every widow of a preacher shall receive yearly, 
during her widowhood, if she want it, a sum not exceeding 
ten pounds. 

8. Every child left by. a preacher shall receive, <Hice for 
all, a sum not usually exceeding ten pounds. 

9.-^ But none is entitled to any thing from this fund till he 
has subscribed two guineas. 

10. Nor any person, from the time he ceases, unless 
worn-out, to be a travelling preacher : 

11. Nor any who neglects paying his subscription for four 
years togetheir. 

18. Let every preacher, who does not bring or send his 
subscription to the Conference, be fined two shillings and 
sixpence. 

13. This fund is never to be reduced to less than a hun- 
dred pounds. 

14* Let a committee be chosen to see these rules duly ex- 
ecuted. The present committee are, 

Peter Jaco, Duncan Wright, Thomas Hanby, Robert 
Roberts, Alexander Mather, Thomas Johnson, John Paw- 
son, Daniel Bumstead, Thomas Olivers, John Helton, and 
Christopher Hopper. 

15. Let an exact account of all receipts and disburse- 
ments be produced at the Conference. 

Q. 63. How may the wives of thQ travelling preachers be 
provided for ? 

A. If a preacher marries hand-over head, he must pro- 
vide for himself. As to the rest, we cannot but observe many 
inconveniences have arisen from the present method of pro- 

VOL.TL Bb 



370 MINUTES, &C. 

• 

viding for the wives of the preachers. Those who are most 
proper for several places, cannot be sent thither because 
they are married. And if they are sent, the people look 
upon them with an evil eye, because they are burdened by 
their families. In order to remedy these inconveniences, let 
it be ^iteisidered, 1. What e£^h circuit can contribute: 
2. Htnr many wives are to be provided for : (their children 
are provided for where they are) 3. By what circuits ? By 
this mean whether the preachers in any particular circuit 
are married or single, it makes no difference : so that any 
preadier may be sent to any circuit without any difficulty. 

Q. 63. How many circuits are there now ? [In 1772.] 

A. Tour and thirty in England, ten in Ireland, three in 
Wales, two in Scotland, and three in America. 

Q. 64. Are our preaching-houses safe ? 

A. Not all : for some of them are not settled on trustees. 
Several of the trustees for others are dead. 

Q. 65. What then is to be done ? 

A. 1. Let the surviving trustees choose others without de- 
lay : 2. Let those who have debts on any of the houses give 
a bond to settle them as soon as their debt is paid. 

Q. 66. In what form may a house be settled ? 
A. In the following : 

^* This indenture made 
between B. Heap, of Manchester, in the county of - ' 
on the one part, and Thomas Philips, hatter, &c. on the 
otlier part, witnesseth, that, in consideration of five shil- 
lings, lawful money of Great-Britain, by the said T. P., to 
the said B. H., truly paid, before the sealing and delivery 
hereof, (the receipt whereof the said B. H. doth hereby 
"acknowledge) and for divers other considerations him there- 
unto moving, the said B. H. hath granted, bargained, and 
^old ; and by these presents, doth grant, bargain, and sell 
unto the said T. P., &c. their heirs and assigns for ever, 
all. that lately erected house or tenement, with the yard 
thereunto adjoining, situate near the upper end of Market- 
street lane, in Manchester aforesaid, now in the tenure or 



MINUTES, &C-. 371, 

occupation of T. Woolfinden ; together with all the ways, 
drains, walls, and privileges to the said premises, or any 
part thereof appertaining, as the same were purchased of 
S. Hope, of Manchester aforesaid, bricklayer, before the 
said house or tenement was built ; and all the profits there- 
of, and. all the right, title, and interest, in law a4l|^BQity ; 
To have and to hold the said house or tenement, yUm^ and 
other premises, to the said T. P., &c. their heirs, an4. as- 
signs for ever : nevertheless, upon special trust and confi- 
dence, and to the intent, that they and the survivors of 
them, and the trustees for the time being, do, and shall per- 
mit J. Wesley, late of Lincoln College, Oxford, clerk, and 
such other persons as he shall firom'time to time appoint, 
and at all times, during his natural life, and no other per- 
sons, to have and enjoy the free use and benefit of the said 
premises ; that the said J. Wesley, and such other persons 
as he appoints, may therein preach and expound God's 
holy word : and after his decease, upon farther trust and 
confidence, and to the intent that the said trustees and the 
survivors of them, and the trustees for the time being, do, 
and shall permit Charles Wesley, late of Christ Church. 
College, Oxford, clerk, and ^uch other persons as he shall 
from time to time appoint, during his life, andtio others, to > 
have and to enjoy the said premises for the purposes afore- 
said : and after his decease, upon farther trust and confi- 
diipe, and to the intent that the said T. P., &c. or the 
major part of them, or the survivors of them, and the major 
part of the trustees of the said premises^ for the time being, ' 
shall, from time to time, and at all times for ever thereafter, 
permit such persons as shall be appointed at the yearly Con- 
ference of the people called Methodists, in London, Bristol, 
or Leeds, and no othjers, to have and enjoy the said pre- 
mises, for the purposes aforesaid : Provided always, that 
the said persons preach no other doctrine than is contained 
in Mr. W.'s Notes upon the New Testament, and four 
Volumes of Sermons : Provided also, that they preach in the 
said house, at least, one evening in ev.ery week, and at fivd 
o^clopk on each morning following : And upon farther trust 

Bb 2 



■ * 



»■ 



.» 



372 MINUTES, &C. 

and confidence, that as often as any of these trustees, or of 
the trustees for the time being shall die, or cease to be a 
member of the society, commonly called Methodists, the 
rest ofihe said trustees, or of the trustees for the time being, 
as soon as conveniently may be, shall, and may choose 
another trustee, or trustees, in order to keep up the number 
of nine trustees for ever, 

*^ In witness whereof, the said 
B. H. hath hereunto set his 
hand and seal, the day and 
year fost above written." 

In this form the first proprietors of the house are to make 
it over to five, seven, or nine trustees. 

Q. 67. But is this form a safe one i Should we not have 
the opinion of counsel upon it ? 

A. I think this would be throwing mcniey away : I. Be- 
cause this form was drawn up by three eminent counsellors: 
But, 2. It is the way of almost every lawyer to blame what 
another has done : therefore you cannot at all infer, that 
they think a thing wrong because they say so : 3. If they 
did in reality think it wrong, this would not prove that it 
was so : 4. If there was (which I do not believe) some As 
feet therein, who would go to law with the body of Metho- 
dists? 5. And, if they did, would any court in England put 
them out of possession ? Especially when the intent of Ae 
deed was plain and undeniable. 

Q. 68. Is any thing farther advisable with regard to 
building ? 

A. 1. Build all preaching houses, if the ground will ad- 
mit, in tibe octagon form. It is best for the voice, and, on 
many accounts, more commodious than any other : 3. Let 
the roof rise one-third of the breadth ; this is the true pro- 
portion : 3. Have windows and doors enow ; and let all the 
windows be sashed, opening downward : 4. Let there be no 
tub-pulpit ; but a square projection, with a long seat be- 
hind : 5. Let there be no backs to the seats, which should 
have isles on each side, and be parted in the middle by 



MINUTES, &C. 373 

a rail running all along, to divide the men from the 
women. 

Q. 69. Is there any exception to the mle, " Let the men 
and women sit apart ?" 

A. In those galleries where they have always sat together, 
they may do so still. But let them sit apart every where 
below, and in all new-erected galleries. 

Q. 70. What can be done to make the Methodists sen- 
sible of the excellency of Kingswood School ? 

A. 1 . Let every assistant read the following account of it 
yearly, in every society : 2. Let every preacher earnestly 
exhort all parents, that are able, to send their children 
thither, and be at the pains to answer all their objections, 
and refute all the lies they may have heard about it. 

1. The wisdom and love of God have now thrust out a 
large number of labourers into his harvest ; men who desire 
nothing on earth but to promote the glory of God, to save 
their own souls, and them that hear them. And those to 
whom they minister spiritual things, willingly minister to 
them of their carnal things ; so that they ^^ have food to eat 
and raiment to put on," and are.conteht therewith. 

S. A competent provision is likewise made for the wives 
of married preachers. These also lack nothing ; having a 
weekly allowance, over and above for their little children ; 
80 that neither they nor their husbands need be ^^ careful 
Aoiit many things," but may wait upon the Lord without 
distraction. 

3. Yet one considerable difficulty lies on those who have 
boys, when they grow too big to be 42nder their mother'« 
direction. Having no father to govern and instruct them, 
they are exposed to a thousand temptations. To rediedy this, 
we have a school on purpose for them, wherein they have 
all the instruction they are capable of, together with all 
things needful for the body, clothes only excepted. And it 
may be, if God prosper this labour of love, they will have 
these too shortly, 

4. In whatever view we look upon this, it is one of the 
noblest charities that can be conceived. How reasonable is 



374 HINUTE8, 8cc* 

the institution ! Is it fit that the children of those who leave 
their wives, home, and all that is dear, to save souls from death, 
should want what is needful eithfsr for soul or body ? Ought 
not we to supply what the parent cannot, because of his la- 
bours in the gospel ? How excellent are the effects of this 
institution ! The preacher eased of this weight, can the more 
cheerfully go on in his labour. And perhaps many of these 
children may hereafter fill up the places of those that shall 
" rest from their labours." 

6. It is not strange, therefore, considering the excellence 
of this design, that Satan should have taken much pains to 
defeat it ; particularly by lies of every kind, which were 
plentifully invented, and handed about for several years : 
but truth now prevails, and its adversaries are put to silence* 
It is well known, that the children want nothing ; that they 
scarcely know what sickness means : that they are well in- 
structed in whatever they are capable of learning : that they 
are carefully and tenderly governed : and that the behaviour 
of all in the hpuse, elder and younger, is " as becometh the 
gosjpel of Christ." 

6. But the expense of such an undertaking is very larger; 
so, that although we have at present but thirteen or fourteen 
poor children, we are continually tunning behind, notwith- 
standing the yearly subscription made at London and Bris- 
tol. The best means we could think of at our late Confe- 
rence to supply the deficiency is, once a year, to desire the 
assistant^ of all those in every place who wish well to the 
work of God ; all who long to see siinners converted to God, 
^d the kingdom of Christ set up in all the earth. 

7. All of you, who are thus ^lindcd, have an opportunity 
now of shewing your love to the gos|)el. Now promote, as 
far as in you lies, one of the noblest charities in the world. 
Now forward, as you arc able, one of the most excellent 
designs that ever was set on foot in this kingdom. Do what 
you can to comfort the parents, who give up their all for 
you, and give their children cause to bless you. You 
will be no poorer for what you do on such an occasion. 
God is a good pay-master. And you know, in doing this. 



MINUTES^ &C. S75 

you lend unto ihe Lord : ^^ In due time He shall pay you 
again." 

Q. 71. But how can we keep k out of debt, which never 
was done yet ? , 

A. Let a collection be made for it the Sunday before or 
after Midsummer, in every preaching-house, gtlsat* and 
small, throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland. 
• Q. 72. How may we raise a general fund ? viz. for the 
work of God ? 

A. By a yearly subscription to be proposed by every as- 
sistant when he visits the classes at Ghristms^, and received 
at the visitation following. 

To this end he may then read and enlarge upon the fol- 
lowing hints in every spciety : 

^ i. Within these twelve or fifteen years several of our 
brethren, in various parts, having no room which would 
coutatn the congregations, by the advice of the preachers 
have built houses for preaching in, capable of containing the 
usual number of hearers : but this has necessarily involved 
them in large debts. Their debt at Halifax, for instance, 
amounted, two or three years ago, to two hundred pounds : 
that at Leeds to more than three hundred pounds : that at 
Manchester to three hundMd and fifty pounds : that at Li- 
verpool to four hundred pounds. So that the whole debt 
contracted, by building, was, I apprehend, little short of 
four thousand pounds. This the societies, to whom those 
houses belong, are, by no means, able to pay ; but the 
whole body of Methodists, joining together, can do it 
without inconvenience. Only let litem cheerfully exert, on soti 
pressing an occasion, the ability which God liath given 
them. •'' ^ 

* 2. But there is a greater difficulty than this. Where 
there are houses, there are not preachers. Though the har- 
vest is plenteous, the labourers are few : and what can we 
do for a supply ? We cannot purchase them for money : we 
^annot hire, or make them. God alone can do this. And 
he has, in some measure, done it already. In several parts: 
of England there are local preachers, who have both gifts 



'« 



S76 MINUTES, 8CC4 

atad graces equal to tbose of most itinerants* ^^ Wbjr then 
do ihey not travel ?" Tbey are willing so to do : bnt they 
are aftaid of bringing a scandal upon the gospel ; because, 
they have contracted debts, which, though very small, they 
are not yet able to pay. So they are bound hand and £9ot: 
but shall we suffer this ? Shall we noiset them at liberty ? 
We cannot buy a preacher for ten thousand pounds ; but 
we may release one for ten or twelve. Can any money be 
better bestowed ? Let us, in the name of God, send tibese 
labourers into his harvest. Men, who desire only to give 
their bodies, souls, time, all, for him that was given for us. 

^ S. But still how shall we send them into those parts, 
where they are most of all wanted ? Suppose the north-west 
of Ireland, and the north of Scotland ? Many aire willing to 
hear, but not to bear the expense : nor can it be exfiected 
of them : stay till the word of God has touched their hearts, 
and then they will gladly provide for them that preach it. 
Does it not lie upon us, in the mean time, to supply their 
lack of service ? To raise a general fund, out of which, from 
time to time, that expense may be defrayed. By this mean, 
those who willingly offer themselves may travel through 
every part, whether there arc Bopieties or not, and stay 
wherever there is a call, withofll^ing burdensome to any. 
Thus may the gospel, in the life and power thereof, be 
spread from sea to sea. Which of you will not rejoice to 
throw in your mite to promote this glorious work ? 

* 4. It is true, when want of money to defray the e:(pen8e 
is removed, another hinderance will often arise. Satan will 
stir up his trusty servant^^to fight, lest his kingdom be de- 
stroyed. But is there no way to quell riotous mobs, even 
when maj^ltrates will not do their duty ? There is one, and 
only one way : move the King's-Bench for an information 
against them. This is a way which has never failed us yet : 
no, not in a single instance 5 the only objection is the ex- 
pense. A suit in the King's-Bench usually costs fifty or 
sixty pounds. But if we all join hand and heart tc^ether^ 
cannot we make this easy too ? Cannot we raise a common 
stocky which shall suffice for this as well as for the preceding 



9 



MINItTES^ &C. 877 

purposes ? By tbe blessing of God we can. And wbo would 
not gladly contribute toward it ? 

' 5. Let tben every member of our society in England, 
once a year, set his shoulder to the work ; contributing, 
more or less, as God has prospered him, at the Lady-day 
visitation of the classes. Let none be excluded from giving 
something, be it a penny, a half-penny, a farthing. Re- 
member the widow's two mites ! And let those who are aWe 
to give shillings, crowns, and pounds, do it.willingly. The 
money contributed will' be brought to Leeds, Bristol, or 
London, at the ensuing Conference. Two-thirds of it, at 
least, will be allotted for those public debts which call the 
loudest. The rest will be partly employed in setting at li- 
berty such local preachers as are tied down by small debts ; 
partly reserved for propagating the gospel, where there are 
none to bear the expenses of the preacher. 

^ 6. Men and brethren, help! Was there ever a call like 
this since you first heard the gospel sound ? Help to relieve 
your companions in the kingdom of Jesus, who are pr^^d 
sLbove measure. ^^ Bear ye one another^s burdens, and so 
fulfil the law of Christ." Help to send forth able, willing 
labourers into your Lord^Jbrarvest : so shall ye be assistant 
in saving souls from deaiffij^^d hiding a multitude of sins. 
Help to spread the gospel of your salvation into the remotest 
comers of the kingdom, till '* the knowledge of our Lord 
shall cover the land, as the waters cover the sea." Help to 
deliver the poor out of the hand of the oppressor, to procure 
them the blessings. which we enjoy : so shall it appear to 
ourselves, and all men, that we are indeed oiie body, united 
by one spirit ; so -shall the baptized Heathens llfef et again 
constrained to say, ^^ See how these Christianl^ove one 
another !" 

^ The money received is to be brought by the assistants 
to the next Conference.' 

Q. 73. But, notwithstanding all that hasr been contributed, 
and paid, we are still six thousand nine hundred and fifty- 
eight pounds in debt. So that we gain no ground. What 
can be done ? How can we prevent the increase of debt ? 



/ 



378 MiiruTEd, Sec. 

« A. By putting an absolute stop to all building for the en^ 
suing year. Let po new house be built ; no addition or al- 
teration made in any old one, unless the proposer thereof 
can, and will, defray the whole expense of it. 

Q. 74. What can be done in order to pay the old debt ? 

A. 1. Give a note to each assistant, specifying the debts, 
toward which, the money collected in each circuit next 
year, is to be paid. 

S. Let each assistant encourage the people in each place, 
like those in Birmingham, to make a push toward paying 
off their own debt. 

S. Let whatever is contributed in any single place, which 
k in debt, pay that as far as it will go. 

But even this method being found ineffectual, it was 
agreed at the Conference in 1771, to change the yearly 
subscription into a weekly one. 

Q. 75. What is the safest way of leaving a legacy for 
any charitable purpose ? 

A. To leave it absolutely to a person they can confide in. 

Q. 76. What is the method wherein we usually proceed 
in our conferences ? 

A. We inquire, 

1. What preachers are admitted ? 
Who remain on trial ? 

Who are admitted on trial ? And, 
Who desist from travelling ? 

2. Who act as assistants this year ? 

3. Are there any objections to any of the preachers? (who 
are named one by one.) 

4. How 9f» the preachers stationed this year ? 

5. Wbn!-numbers are in the society ? 

6. What is the Kingswood collection ? 

7. What is contributed towards the debt ? 

8. How was this expended ? 

9. What is contributed toward the preachers* fund ?. 
. 10. What demands are there upon it ? 

11. How many preachers' wives are to be provided for? 
•12. By what societies? 



MINUTES, &(% t79 

• 13. Where, and when, may our next Conference begin ? 

Q. 77. What power -is it which you exercise over both 
preachers and people ? 

A. Count Zinzendorff loved to keep all things close : I 
love to do all things openly. I will therefore tell you all I 
know of the matter, taking it from the very beginning. 

1. In November, 1738, two or three persons, who desired 
to " flee from the wrath to come," and then seven or eight 
more came to me in London, and desired me to advise 4hd 
pray with them. I said, " If you will meet on Thursday 
night, I will help you as well as I can." More and more 
then desired to meet with them, till they were increased to 
many hundreds. The case was afterwards the same at Bris- 
tol, Kingswood, Newcastle, and many other parts of Eng- 
land, Scotland, and Ireland. It may be observed, the 
desire was on their part, not mine. My desire was to live 
and die in retirement. But I did not see that I could refuse 
them my help, and be, guiltless before God. 

Here commenced my power, namely, a power to appoint 
when, and where, and how they should meet :' and^ to re- 
move those whose lives ihewed, that they had no desire to 

■ 

" flee from the wrath to come." And this power remained 
the same, whether the pec^le, meeting together, were twelve 
hundred, or twelve thousand. Z^. 

2. In a few days some of them said, " Sir, we will not 
sit under you for nothing. We will subscribe quarterly." 
I said, " I will have nothing, for I want nothing. My fel- 
lowship supplies me with all, and more than I want«" One 
replied, ^^ Nay, but you want one hundred and fifteea 
pounds to pay for the lease of the Foundery. Aiid likewise 
a large sum of money will be wanted to put itin repair." 
On this consideration I suffered them to subscribe. And 
when the society met, I asked, " Who will take the trouble 
of receiving this money, and paying it where it is needful ? 
One said, " I will do.it, and keep the account for you. 
So here was the first steward : afterwards I desired one or 
two more to help me as stewards, and in process of time a 
greater number. 



Ir 

' i 
'.J «.. 



99 



880 MIKUTES, &C. 

Let it be remarked, it was I myself, not the people, -who 
chose these stewards, and appointed to each the distinct 
work wherein he was to help me, as long as I desired. And 
herein I b^an to exercise another sort of power, namelj, 
that of appointing and removing stewards. 

3. After a time, a young man came, T. Maxfidd, and 
said he desired to help me as a son in the gospel. Soon after 
came a second, Thomas Richards ; and a third, Thomas 
WesteL These severally desired to serve me as sons, and to 

^bour when and where I should direct. Observe, these 
likewise desired me, not I them. But I durst not refuse their 
assistance. And here commenced my power, to appoint 
each of these, when, where, and how to labour ; that is, 
while he chose to continue with me : for each had a power 
to go away when he pleased : as I had also to go away firom 
them, or any of them, if I saw sufficient cause. The case 
continued the same, when the number of preachers increased. 
I had just the same power still, to appoint when, and where, 
and how each should help me ; and to tell any, if I saw 
cause, ^' I do not desire your help any longer." On these 
terms, and no other, we joined at first ; on these we con- 
tinue joined : But they do me no fiivour in being directed 
by me. It is true, " My reward is with the Lord." But 
at present I have nothing tTom it but trouble and care, and 
often a burden I scarcely know how to bear. 

4. In 1744 I wrote to several clergymen, and to all who 
then served me as sons in the gospel, desiring them to meet 
me in London, to give me their advice concerning the best 
method of carrying on the work of God. They did not de- 
sire this meeting, but I did, knowing that, ^^ in a multitude 
of counsellors there is safety." And when their number in-* 
creased, so that it was neither needful nor convenient to in- 
vite them all, for several years I wrote to those with whom 
I desired to confer, and these only met at the place appoint- 
ed ; till, at length, I gave a general permission, that all 
who desired it might come. 

Ob erve, I myself sent for these of my own free choice ; 
and I sent for them to advise, not govern me. Neither did 



MINUTES, &C. ,S&1 

t at any of those times divest myself of any part of that 
power above described, which the providence of God had 
cast upon me, without any design ot choice of mine* 

What is that power? It is a power of admitting into, and 
excluding from, the societies under my care ; of choosing 
and removing stewards, of receiving or not receiving 
helpers ; of appointing them when, where, and how to help 
me ; and of desiring any of them to meet me when I see 
good. And as it was merely in obedience to the providence 
of God, and for the good of the people, that I at first ac« 
cepted this power, which I never sought, nay, a hundred 
times laboured to throw off; so it is on the same considera* 
tions, not for profit, honour, or pleasure, that I use it at this 
day, 

5. But several gentlemen are much offisnded at my hav* 
ing so much power. My answer to them is this : 

I did not seek any part of thb power ; it came upon me 
unawares. But when it was come, not daring to bury that 
talent, I used it to the best of my judgment. 

Yet I never was fond of it. I always did, and do now 
bear it as my burden : the burden which Gkxl lays upon 
me, and therefore I dare not yet lay it down. 

But if you can tell me any one, or any five men, to 
whom I may transfer this burden, who can and will do 
just what I do now, I will heartily thank both them and 
you. 

6. But some of our helpers say, ^^ This is shackling free* 
born Englishmen;" and demand a free Conference; that is^ 
a fneeting of all the preachers, wherein all things shall be 
determined by most votes. ^ 

I answer ; it is possible after my death some thing of this 
kind may take place : but not while I live. . Tp me the 
preachers have engaged themselves to submit, to ^^ serve 
me as sons in the gospel.'^ But they are not thus engaged 
to any man, or number of men besides. To me the people 
in general will submit : but they will not yet submit to any 
other. 

It is nonsense thea to call my using thb power, ^^ Shack- 



1 

■ • 



388 MINUTES, &C. 

ling ^eeboni EnglishmeQ." None needs to submit to it nn« 
less he will ; so there is no shackling in the case. Eveqr 
preacher, and every member, may leave me when he pleases* 
But, while he chooses to stay, it is on the same terms that 
he joined me at first. 

• <^ But this is arbitrary power ; this is no less than making 
yourself a Pope." 

• If by arbitrary power you mean a power which I exercise 
single, without any collegues therein, this is certainly true ; 
but I Bee no hurt in it. Arbitrary, in this sense, is a very 
harmless word. If you mean unjust, unreasonable, or 
tyrannical, then it is not true. 

As to the other branch of this .charge, it carries no face of 
truth. The Pope affirms, that every Christian must do all 
he bids, and believe all he says, under pain of damnation. 
I never affirmed any thing that bears any, the most distant, 
resemblance to this. All I affirm is, ^^ The preachers who 
choose to labour with me, choose to serve me as sons in the 
gospel." Add, " the people who choose to* be under my 
care, choose to be so on the same terms they were at first." 

Therefore all talk of this kind is highly injurious to me, 
who bear this burden merely for your sakes. And it is ex- 
ceedingly mischievous to the people, tending to confound 
their understandings, and to fill their hearts with evil-sur* 
misings and unkind tempers towards Hie : to whom they 
really owe more, for taking all this load upon me, for exer- 
dsiiig this very power, for shackling myself in this manner, 
than for all my preaching put together. Preaching twice 
or thrice a day is no burden to me at all ; but the care of all 
the preachers and all the pibople, is a burden indeed ! 
' Q. 78. What can be done in order to the future union of 
the Methodists ? 

A. On Friday, August 4, 1769, Mr. Wesley read In the 
Conference the following paper : 

1. It has long been my desire, that all those ministers of 
our church, who believe and preach salvation by faith, 
might cordially agree between themselves, and not hinder^ 
but help one another. Aifler occasionally pressing this ia 



MINUTES, &C. 383 

private conversation, wherever I had opportunity, I wrote 
down my thoughts upon this head, and sent them to each 
in a letter. Out of fifty or sixty to whom I wrote, only 
three vouchsafed me an answer. So I gave this up. I can 
do no more. They are a rope of sand, and such they will 
continue. 

3. But it is otherwise with the travelling preachers in out 
connexion : you are at present one body. You act in con- 
cert with each other, and by united counsels. And now is 
the time to consider what can be done, in order to continue 
this union. Indeed, as long as I live, there will be no great 
difficulty : I am, under God, a centre of union to all our 
travelling, as well as local preachers. 

They all know me and my communication. They all love 
me for my work's sake : and therefore, were it only out of 
T^ard to me, they will continue connected with each other. 
But by what means may this connexion be preserved, when 
God removes me from you ? 

3. I take it for granted, it cannot, be preserved, by any 
means, between those who have not a single eye. Those who 
aim at any thing but the glory of God, and the salvation of 
men : who desire, or seek any earthly thing, whether 
lionour, profit, or ease, will not, cannot continue in the 
connexion ; it will not answer their design. Some of them^ 
perhaps a fourth of the whole number, will procure prefer- 
ment in the Church. Others will turn Independants, and 
get separate congregations, like John Edwards, and Charles 
Skelton. Lay your accounts with this, and be not surprised 
if some, you do not suspect, be of this number. 

4. But what method can be token to preserve a firm union 
between those who choose to remain together ? 

Perhaps you might take some such steps as tbjese : 

On notice of my death, let all the preachefs'in England 
and Ireland, repair to London within six weeks. 

Let them seek God by solemn fasting aqd prayer. 

Let them draw up articles of agreement, to be signed by 
those who choose to act in concert. 



384 MINUTES, &C. 

Let those be dismissed who do not choose it, ia the most 
friendly manner possible. 

Let them choose, by votes, a committee of three, fiye, or 
seven, each of ivhom is. to b^ moderator in his turn. 

, Let the committee do what I do now : propose preachers 
to be tried, admitted, or excluded : fix the place of each 
preacher for the ensuing year, and the time of the next 
Conference. 

5. Can any thing be done now, in order to lay a founda- 
tion for this future union ? Would it not be well, for any 
that are willing, to sign, some articles of agreement before 
Grod calls me hence ? Suppose something like these : 

^^ We, whose names are underwritten, being thoroughly 
convinced of the necessity of a close union between tiiose 
whom God is pleased to use as instruments in this glorious 
work, in order to preserve this union between ourselves, are 
resolved, God being our helper, 

** 1. To devote ourselves entirely to God ; denying our^ 
selves, taking up our cross daily, steadily aiming at one 
thing, to save our own souls, and them that hear us. 

^^ 3. To preach the old Methodist doctrines, and no 
other, contained in the Minutes of the Conferences. 

" 3. To observe and enforce the whole Methodist disci- 
pline, laid down in the said Minutes.*' 

Q. 79. What can be done in order to revive the work of 
God where it is decayed ? 

A. I . See that no circuit be at any time without preachers. 
Therefore let no preacher, who does not attend the Confer- 
ence, leave the circuit at that time on any pretence^what- 
ever. This is the most iinproper time in the whole year. 
Let every assistant see to this, and require each of these to 
remain in the circuit till the new preachers come. 

Let noti|B the preachers in any circuit come to the Con- 
ference. 

Let those who do come, set out as late as possible, and 
return as soon as possible. 

2. Be more diligent in field-preaching* The want of 



MINUTES, &C. S85 

abroad, and. of preaching in new places, has 
greatly damped the work of God. 

S. Wherever we iiave a large preaching-honse at one end 
of a great town, . let us preach abroad at the other end of it, 
every Sunday morning atileast. 

4. Be more diligent in morning-preaching, wherever yoa 
can have twenty hearers. 

5. "Be more active in dispersing the books ; particularly 
Hie sermon on The Good Steward, on In-dwelling Sin, The' 
Repentance of Believers, and the Scripture Way of Salva* 
tion. Every assistant may give away small tracts. And he 
may beg money of therich to buy books for the poor. 

6. Let every preacher strongly, in^t upon practical reli- 
gion, and relative duties ; but in such a manner as to keep 
Christ continually in view. 

7. Exhort tiie leaders of bands to speak to those who 
meet with them in the closest manner possible. 

8« Encourage all at the public meeting of the bands to 
speak with idl openness and simplicity. 

9. Let & fast be observed in all our societies, on the last 
Friday in September, and on the Friday a^r New Year's 
Day ; after Lady-day, and after Midsummer-day. 

10. Wherever you can^ use intercession on Fridays, and 
recommend fasting, both by precept and example. 

11. Be conscientiously exact in the whole Methodist dis^ 
cipline. And that you may understand it, read over care* 
fully, the Plain Account of the People called Methodists^ 
and the several Minutes of the Conferences. 

12. Beware of formality in singing, or it will creep in 
upon us unawares. ' Is it notxre^ing in already, by those 
complex tunes, which it is scarcely possible to sing with 
devotion ? Such is, ^^ Praise ye the Lord, ye blessed ones:'* 
such the.lodg quavering haUdujah annexed to th|liteoming-' 
song tune, which I defy:any man living to sing devoutly. 
The repeating the same, words so often, but especially while 
another repeats different words, the horrid abuse which runs 
through the modem church music, as it shocks all common 
sense, so it necessarily brings in dead formality, and has no 

VOL. VI. C c 



3811 MtNuraS) 4ae. 

QKxre of rdigtoR In it iban a Lancasbiie honinpe \: Bends 
that, it is a flat contradiction to oitr Loid's command^ ^''Uao^^ 
nol vain repetilions.'' Ftur, ivhat is wn repetitioii, if this 
tie not; What end of deyotioD does it serve? Again, do not 
snfibr the people to sing too slow : this nateraHy tends to^ 
frrmali^, and is brought in by those who have very stroi^^ 
or very weak voices. Is it not possible, fliat aH the llcJtha^ 
dyifits in Uie nation should sii^ equally quick Y Why should 
9ot thjB assislairt a^e that they be taught to siag m eweryi 
laige society ? Aaddothis insucUanuuiner, astoobvipte 
the ill efkds which might otherwise spring thereficoni. 

13. Which of us ^^ fasts every Friday in the yeav j'^ 
Which of us fasts at all ? Does not this ^hew the present 
temperof our minds, (though not of all) soft and uaerved^ 
How then can we advance the work of God^ though, we may 
ffeach kmd and loi^ enough ? Here is the root cf the evil. 
Hence the woi^ of God droops.; few am coBvinced^ few 
jastified, few of our brethren sanctified I Hence mom mid 
more doubt, if we are to be sandified at all tall death s I 
Qiean sanctified throughout^ saved fixxa aM sin, perfected 
in love* That we may aU speak thq same thing, I adc^ 
once tot ^, Shall we defend this perfectioii or give it up } 
You dUi agree to defend it ; meaning tiierehy^ as we did 
from the be^ttUBg, salvation from all mh by the love of 
CM and our ne^hhour fiUing the heart. The Papists say^ 
f< This cannot be attained till we have been a sufllcient time 
j^ purgatory." The Dissenters say, << Nay, it will be at^ 
tained as soon as the soul and body part." The old lietho^ 
d&ts said, ^^ It may be attamed bdEbie we die t a mouBsent 
afier is too late." Is it sp or not ? Yau are all agreed^ wo 
may be saved from all sia before death. The sufastaaee <iM» 
h settled. But, as to the circumstance, is the chai^ ia-» 
stantaneonaar gradual f It is both one and the other. Fiom 
the moment we soe justified, there may be a gradual saocts- 
fication, or a growipg in graoe, a dafly advance in the 
knowleC^ and love of God* And if sin eease before death, 
there must, in the nature of the thing, be aa instantweovs 
ehange. Tfaeie must be a last miimeat vihaieia it does exBl^ 



1^4 « fir^t iQMmit irhcorci^ it dqe^ not. 3^t iAoi;iI4 we ia 
preaching insist on hojth fine and tbe otb^ ? Ce^lainly yff 
mu9t insist on 4h0 gradua} cbange ; sund that earoiestly^ind 
continually. And are there not reasons wl^y w^ si^ould. in- 
8i9t on the iostantan^pu^ ajso i If tb^re be such a blessed 
change before death, should we nqt ^acQ\uag^ all b^liever^ 
to e<p^t it i 4-nd tbe rather, because x^opstani ejq)erience 
shews, the more eame^ they exp^t this^ the more swiftly 
imd steadily does the gradual work pf Qod go oa in their 
i»ul8. The more watchful tl^y are against all sin, the more 
careful to grow, in grape, the more zealous of good workq^ 
nod the more punctual in their attendapce on all the ordi- 
nancepi of God : whereas, just tUe contrary effepts are obr 
served, whenever this expectation ceases. They ^e save^ 
i^y h^pe, by this hope of a total change, saved with a gra- 
iloally increasilig salvalion. Destroy this hope, and tbi^ 
«alyatipn stands still ; or, rather decreases daily : therefore, 
whoever would advance the gradual change io b(elievei% 
should strongly insist upon the instat^taneous. 

14. But how &r from entire sanctification are we still ? The 
religioii of the Methodists in general, is ufsi internal, at least 
not deep, uuivor^al, uniform ; but superficial, p^ial, un- 
even. And what pains do we take to make it otberwke I Do 
we visit from hottse to house, according to the plan laid 
down in the Minutes ? Have you dpne thjs ? Jjifr. Colley be- 
gun : but be is gone to paradise : and wbo has trodden iii his 
steps? Whathiuders? Want of tinp^. Only, asWiUiam 
Penniugtpu said, spend half Uie ti^ie in this visiting, whiob 
you spend in talking uselesly, and you will have tipoe 
enough. Do this, particularly in confirming and building 
up believers* Tben, wofl ^at till tVeoj the w(n:k of the Lord 
will prosper in your hands. 

15. But whf^t can we dp for the risii^ generate i Unless 
we can. take care of these, the present revival of religioa 
will be res unius tptatis : it will last only the age of a man. 
.Who Yill labour herein ? Jjct him that is zealous for 6od, 
and the souls of men, b^n now. 

: ^. / Cc« 



986 MINUTES, &C. 

^^ 1. Spend an hour a week with the children, in every 
large town, whether you like it or not. 

^^ 8. Talk with them every time you see any at home. 

** 3. Pray in earnest for them. 

^ 4. Diligently instruct, and vehemently exhort, alt pa- 
vents, at their own houses. 

^^ 5. Preach expressly on education, particularly at Mid* 
sumitier, when you speak of I^ingswood-SchooL'' 

.16. Let every preacher read carefully over the life of 
Mr. Brainerd. Let us be followers of hiih as he was of 
Christ, In absolute self-devotion, in total deadness to the 
wortd, and in fervent love to God and man. We want 
nothing but this. Then the world and the devil must fall 
under our feet. 

17. 1. Let us keep to the Church. Over and above all 
the reasons that were formeily given for this, we add another 
now from long, experience, they that leave the Church leave 
the Methodists. The clergy cannot separate us from our 
brethren, the Dissenting ministers can and do: therefore 
carefully avoid whatever has a tendency to separate men 
from the Church. In particular, preaching at any hour 

. which hinders them from going to it. Let every assistant 
look to this. 

3. Let all the servants in our preaching-houses go to 
Church on Sunday mornings at least. 

3. Let every preacher go always on Sunday mornings, 
and when he can in the afternoon. God will bless those 
who go on week-days too, as often as they have oppor- 
tunity. 

18. Take heed to your doctrine. 

We said in 1744, " We have leaned too much toward 
Calvinism." Wherein ? 

1. With regard to man* s faithfulness. Our Lord himself 
taught us to use the expression : and we ought never to be 
•ashamed of it. We ought steadily to assert, on his autho? 
^ty, that, if a man is not faithful in the unrighteous mam- 
mon, God will not give him the true riches. 

3. With regard to working for life. Thfa also our Lord 



MINUTBS, &C* 389 

has expressly commanded us. ^^ Labour," s^a^bo^Sj lite* 
rally, ^^ work for the meat thfit endureth to jeverlasting life.'' 
And, in fact^ every believer, till he comes to glory, vroriis 
for, as well as from, life.^ j . i 

3. We have received it as a maxin^, that, ^[ a man is to 
do nothing, in order to justification :" nothid§ can be ^lore 
false. Whoever desires to find fi^vouriyith God, should 
** cease from evil, and learn to do well." Whoever re- 
pents, should do ^^ works meet for repentance.^' And if this 
be not ii^ order to find fovour, what does he do them for ? 

tteview the whole afiair. 

1. Who of us is now accepted of God ? 

He that now believes in Christ,- with a iQving, obedienit 
heart. . « : * 

: 2i But who among those that never heard of. Christ 2 .;:; . 

He '' that fearetb God, and worketh righteousness," ac^ 
cording to the light he has. 

3. Is this the same wit||jj!^ he that is sincere ?" 
Nearly, if not quite. 

4. Is not this " salvation by works ?" 

Not by the merit of works, but by works, as a condition. 

5. What have we then been disputing about for these 
thirty years ? . 

I am afraid, about words. , 

6. As to merit itself, of which we have been so dreadfully 
afraid ; we are rewarded, " according to our works," yea, 
" because of our works." How does this differ from, *^ for 
the sake of our works?" And how differs this from secun- 
dum merUa operum? As our works deserve. Can you split 
this hair ? I doubt, I cannot. 

7. The grand objection to one of the preceding proposi- 
tions, is drawn from matter of fact. God does, in fact, jus- 
tify those, who, by their own confession, neither feared 
God nor wrought righteousness. Is this an exception to the 
general rule ? 

It is a doubt, whether God makes any exception at all. 
But how are we sure, that the person in question, never did 
fear Grod, and work righteousness ? His own saying so is not 



SdQ 



•Mi)ii7Te8> Sci. 



ptddti tdt we kiio#, bow all that are bManted of s&i^ tb- 
dervalUe thefcbsehrefa in eve^j respect. 

8. Dock hdt tfAYaiig biti justified or ft stiHiOifUd tt^e tend 
io mislead men ? Almost naturally leading them to trust m 
what Was done in o&e ikiomeAt. Whereat, w^ are every hour 
Md ibyery radledlt pleasii^ or dkjfleaiiifg to Gbd^ ^^ accord- 
ibg to our woi^ :" adeording to the whole of our inward 
tempers, tad our dutwatd behiilrfour. 

19. Lastly, We mtfiist needs visit frdm boube 06 housci 
were it only to avoid idleness. I am afiraid, We i^ iSLe stlB. 
Do we not loiter away many hours in eVery Week ? Try 
yourselves. Kee^ ft ^ary of ycMir employment but foir a 
Week, and then read it over. Idleness cannot consist with 
growth in grace : nay, without exactness in ^^ redeeming 
time,'* it is impossible to retain even the life you received 
in jusiification. 



# 



assMMBB 



CHAEACTER OF A METHODIST. 



± 



^< jr«T AS mOO«H I BAD ALREADY ATTAI1fKD,"<-^PBIL. ill. ill. 



TO THE READER. 

1. SINCE the oame §M came abroad into the world^ 
many have been at a Wm to know what a Methodist is: 
What are the Princi^es and Practice of those, who are 
conunonly called by that name ; and what the distinguish- 
ing marks of this Sect, which is every where spokeft 
against. "^ 

2. And it being generally believed, that I was able to 
give the clearest account of these things, (as having been 
one of the first to whom that name was given, and the person 
by whom the rest were supposed to be directed,) I have 
been called upon in all manner of ways, and with the utmost 
earnestness, so to do. I yield at Ifetst to the continued im« 
portunity both of friends and enemies: and do nowgivQ 
the clearest account . I can, in the presence of the Lord and 
Jud^e of heaven and earth, of the Principles and Practice 
whereby those who are called Methodists, are distinguished 
from other men. 

3. I say, those ivho are called Methodists ; for let it be 
ttdl observed, that this is not a name which they take to 
flemselves, but one fixed upon ihem by way of reproach, 
vnthout their approbation or consent. It was first given to 



392 CHABACTEB OF A METHOOlif. 

three or four young men at Oxford, by a student of Chriit» 
Church ; either in allusion to the ancient sect of physicians 
so called ; (from their teaching, that ahsuMt all diseases 
might be cured by a specific method of diet and exercise,) 
or from their observing a more regular method of study and 
behaviour, than was usual with those of their age and sta- 
tion. 

4. I should rejoice, (so little ambitious am I to be at the 
head df any sect or party,) if the very name mi^t never 
be mentioned more, but be buried in eternal oblivion* But 
if that cannot b^, at least let those who will use it, know the 
meaning of the word they use. Let us not always be fight- 
ing in the dark. Come, and let us look one another in the 
face. And perhaps some of you who hate what I am called, 
may love what I am, (by the grace of God :) or rather what 
^^ I follow after, if that I may apprehend that, for which 
also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." 




1. TH£ distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not %h 
opinioivs of any sort. His assenting to thb oi^ that scjiente 
of Religion, his embracing any particular set of notions, bis 
espousing the judgment of one man or of another, are iJl 
quite wide of the point. Whosoever ther^ore imaging, . that 
a Methodist b a man of such or such an opinion, is grossly 
jgnorant of the whole afiair ; he mistakes the truth totally « 
,We believiB indeed, that all Scripture is given by the inspi- 
ration of God, and herein we are distinguished from Jews, 
Turks, and Infidels. We believe the .written word of .God 
to be the only and sufficient rule, both of Cfaristianwfaith 
^() practice; and herein we are fundamentally distinguished 
from those of the Romish church. We believe Christ to be 
the eternal, supreme God; and herein we. are distinguished 
from the Socinians and Arians. But as to aU opinions which 
do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let 
think. So that whatsoever they are, whether right or wropM^^ 
they are no distinguishing marks of a Methodist. : '#v 

2. Neither are words or phrases* <tf any soft, . We do not 



COIAEACTEB OF A M«1»ODI8T« 398 

fdace our Religion, or any part of it, in being attached to 
any peculiar m€»de of speaking, any quaint or unconunon 
set of expressions. The most obvious, easy, common words, 
wherein our meaning can be conveyed, we prefer before 
others, both on ordinary occasions, and when we speak of 
the things of God. We never therefore willingly or design- 
edly deviate from the most usual way of «peaking ; unless 
when we express Scripture truths in Scripture words, (which, 
we presume, no Christian will condemn.) Neith^f do wa 
affect to use any particular expressions of Scripture, more 
frequently than others, unless Uiey are such as are more frej 
quently used by the inspired writers themselves. So that it 
is as gross an error, to place the matks of a Methodist iu his 
words, as in opinions of any sort. 

3. Nor do we desire to be distingubhed by actidnsy cU$^ 
iomsy or usctgesy of an indifferent nature. Our Religion does 
not lie in doing what God has hot enjoined, or abstaining 
from what he hath not foiMpden. It does not lie in the form 
of our apparel, in the postuie of our body, or the coveting of 
our heads; nor yet abstaining from marriage, nor from meats 
and drinks, which are* all good if received with thanks- . 
giving. Therefore neither will any man who Jluows ;wbevet 
of he' affirms, fix the mark of a Methodist iiere; .in ' ^{r 
actions or customs purely indifferent, undetennined b^\tb<^ 
Ward of God. • ^ ^ .. , ' . ..-r 

4. Nor^ lastly, is he to be distinguished by: laying: tbt 
whole stress of Religion on any single, part of it.' If }ri3iji 
say, "Yes, he is: for he thinks we. are sace4 hy. pith 
alonep^^ 1 answer, you do not understand the terms*. Bj 
salvation he means holiness of heart and! life. And this be 
affiifms to .spring from true faith aloneJ Can even a nomiital 
Christian deny it ? Is this placing a part of Religion for; the 
whole ? " Do we th^amake void the Law thro' faith ? God 
forbid ! Yea, we establish the Law.'' We do not place the 
whole of religion,: ' (as too many do^ God ikiioweth,) 
eith^ in doing no harm, or in doing good, or in using the 
orqpances of God. No, nor in all of them together ; wherein 
we know by experience a man may labour many years, and 



9M CfiTA'ltAdtBfl OF A ^^ttMMt. 

Ht tht end bitteiio trite i^li^oit at all, no more fliaii li^%ad 
lit Ae b^^hin^. Much less in any one of these ; or, It may 
be in tt scrap of -ctae of litem ; like her who fiuicies herself % 
tbiuaus woihan, oi^y becatnse she is net a prostitnite ; dithe 
Who dreams he is a honest man, merely because he does not 
rob or steal. May the Lord God of my father preserre me 
from siidi a poor, starved religkm as this ! Were this the 
mark of a Methodist, I wonld sooner choose to be alsihoel^ 
3^Wy Turk, or Pagan. 

5. <^ What then is the mavlc f Who is a M^hoXit accord- 
iiigfoymr bymM&nmii^ I mswer : A Methodist is oims^ 
who has ^^ the love of God shed abroad in his heart by fh^ 
Roly Ghost given unto him : " One who <^ loves tjie Lord 
his God with all his heart, aiid with all his soul, and with all 
his tnind, and with all \m strength.^' God is the jOy of lib 
heart, and the d^ire ci his soul ; which is constantly ay- 
iBg^cRity-^^^ Whom have I in heliven but thee, and thi»e is 
none upon earth that I desire b(|pte thee ! '' <<MyGodanfl 
my All I Thou art the strength of my heart, mA my par" 
tlon for ever 1 '' 

6. He is therefore happy in God, yea always happy, as 
having in him ^^ a well of water, springii^ up into everlast- 
ing life, and oversowing his soul with peace and joy." Per- 
fM lame** having noiy ** cast outfeavj*^ he " rejoices ever- 
more." He " rejoices in the Lord always" even ** ih God 
his Saviour : " mid in the Father, '^ through our Lord Jesus 
Christ, by whom he hath now received the atmement." 
^'Haviilg [fottnd3 redemption through his blood, the Amt- 
giveness of bis sins," he cannot but rejoice, whenev^ he 
looks back on the horrible pit out of vrhich he is delivemd ; 
When he sees ^' all bis transgressions blotted out a» a thidc 
cloud." He cannot but rejoice, whenever helooks on the^tate 
Whdrein henow i^, ^ being justified freely, and having peace 
with God, tbfougli our Loird Jesus Christ." << For ^he that 
believeth liath the witness £of this] in himself:" being now 
*' a child of God by faith, because he is a son, Godteth 
sent forth the Spirit of his Son into his heart, ciying, Jpba, 
Father ! " iind << the Spurit itself beaieth witness with, bk 



fljilrit, that he id t child of God." Ht t«goicelh aho^ Wtefi^ 
eyet he lobkb fbfWaid^ <^ in hopa 6f the glory that shaH M 
revealed :" Yea, this hib joy is Mn, itad alt hiB bdnes^f;^ iml^ 
^ Bles^ be the Gdd and leather of onir Lord J^bqs Gh^isti 
who, accbirdiiig fo his abandlifnt; tAttej Haiih. begotten nie 
flgain to a living h(^, of an ftih^tanee ikieoirn^tibte, uv* 
cfeffled, and that fadeth not iitmy-, ieseiVed in heAVten fdfjr 
line; ... 

7. And he who hath this hopCy tilitas full of irm/Mialifyy tn 
^'Dfry thuig gives thinks: as knowing that ^%^^ (wbatMever it 
if,) w the will of God in Christ Jems cft^kc^ning hh%. Frc^ 
him therefore he cheerfully receives all, sayiilgv ^^Gtlod is 
fhtinll of the Lotd!" and \Hicfnier the Loitl gfVeth or 
taketh away, equally *^ blesising the Name df the iLcMrd." Fw 
^he hatfakam^ in whatsoever state he is, thei^eWith iolsie 
coiitent." He knoweth '^botii how to be abased, and ho# i6 
abontid. Every where and in all (hiilgs he is iAstriict^, Ikilh 
fb be filTl, aAd to be hnHgry, both to abound and tfaSBtr 
heted." Whether in ease or paiA, Nivhether in sicknesb or 
h^Rh, whether in life or death, he giveth thalnfks from tbe 
ground 6f the heart to him, who o¥ders it for geod : khow^ 
ihg that as ^* every good gift coirieth from abofe," 86 Mile 
hat good can Cdme frotn ^< tike Father ef Lights," int(» ttrhVMe 
hands he has wholly coinAiitfe^ his body aibd soni, iia Mfo 
the hands of a faithful Creator. He is therefore c(ihffMy 
(anxiously or uneasily careful,) for nothing: te haviito^ 
^< cast all his care n'poia hUh. that c^rreth for hiiii,^''<aM in aU 
fhings" resting on him, after ^^ m^ing his request kno^ to 
him \7ith thanksgiving.'' ' 

8. For indeed fie prafys *^ withont ceasing.*' It is givefa 
him ^< always to prtLjj and not to fkhit.*^ Not that he is al« 
i^ys in the house of prayer ; fliorigh he nf^lects no 6pp6t- 
timity of being there. Neither is he always on his imtBy 
iSSboXigli he 60tea % oir on his fkce before the Loird Ms 
Cod. Ndr yet is he always (Srying aloud to GoA, or tidfing 
tifkfi him fa words. For many times '* the Spirit mdceth 
iMoteieS^sion for him't^ith groans that ckhnot be ottered :" 
But kt afU tikes the language of his hieart is thf!^ '<< Thou 



Sdd paAEACTBE OF A MBTHOBIflN 

brightness of the jeternal glory, unto thee is my iiioiii]i^ 
though without a voice, and my silence speaketh unto thee.'\ 
And (his is true pmyer, the lifting up the heart to God. This 
is the essence of prayer, and this alone. But his heart is 
ever lifted up to God, at all times, and in all places. In this 
he is never hindered, much less interrupted by any pasaa 
or thing. In retirement, or company, in leisure, in business, 
or conversation, his heart is ever with the Lord. Whether 
he lie down or rise up, God ^^ is in all his thoughts ;" ^^ he 
walks with God '' continually, having the loving eye of Im^ 
mind still fixed upon him, and every where ^^ seeing him 
that is invisible." 

. 9. And while he thus always exercises his love to God, by 
praying without ceasing, rejoicing evermore, and in every 
thing giving thanks, this commandment is written in hia 
hei^, that he who loveth Grod, love his brother also, And^ 
he tpcordingly loves his neighbour as himself; he loves 
every man as his own soul. His heart is full of love to all 
mankind, to every child of ^^ the Father of the spiritsof all 
flesh." That a man is not personally known to him, is no 
bar to bis love. No, nor that he is known to be4Buch as he 
approves' Qot, that be repays hatred for his good- will. For 
he ^^ loves his enemies, "yea, and the enemies of God : <^ ti^ 
evil ai|d the unthankful." And if it be not in his power to 
do good to them that hate him, yet he ceases not to pray foe 
theipj . though they continue to spurn his love, and still 
^^ despitefully use him and persecute him." 

10.. For he is pure in heart. The love of God has puri- 
fied his heart from all revengeful passions, from envy, malice^ 
and wrath, from every unkind temper or malign aflfection* 
It hath cleansed him from pride and haughtiness of spirit^ 
whereof alone cometh contention. And be hath now put on 
bowels of Hiercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,, 
long-siufiering : so that he ^^ forbears and forgives, if he had 
a quarrel against any ; even as God in Christ hath forgive^ 
him." And indeed all possible ground for contention, on his 
part, is utterly cut off. For none can toke from him whallie 
desires: seeing hje^ ^Moves not the world, nor any of the 



CHARACTER OF A MCTftODlST; 397 

things of the world :'' being now ^^ crucififed t6 the world, 
and the world crucified to him ;" being dead to all that is in 
the world, both ^^ to the lust of the flesh, the lust of theeye^ 
and the pride of life/' For ^^all his desire is nnto Grod/* 
and to the remembrance of his Name. 

11. Agreeable to this his one desire, is the one design of 
his life, namely, - ^^ not to do his own will, but the will of 
him that sent him.'' H(is one intention at all times and in' all 
things is, not to please himself, but him whom his soul 
loyeth* He has a single eye. And because ^^ his eye is sin- 
gle, his whole body is full of light." Indeed when the loving 
eye of the soul is continually fixed upon God, there can be 
no darkness at all, ^^ but the whole is light; as when the 
bright shining of a candle doth enlighten the house." Grod 
then reigns alone. All that is in his soul, is holiness to the 
'Lord. There is not a motion m his heart, but is according 
to his will. Every thought that arises points to him, and is 
in obedience to the law of Christ. 

12. And the tree is known by its fruits. For as he loves 
God, so he keeps his commatadments. Not only some, or 
most of them, but all, from the least to the greatest. He is 
not content to ^^keep the whole law, and ofiend in one 
point ;'* but has in all points, ** a conscience void of ofr 
fence, tovrards God and towards man." Whatever God has 
forbidden, he avoids : whatever Grod has enjoined, he doth $ 
and that whether it belittle or great, hard or easy, joyous or 
grievous to the flesh. He "runs the ways of God's com* 
mandments," now God hath set his <^ heart at liberty." It is 
his glory so to do ; it is his daily crown of rejoicing, to ** do 
the will of God on earth, as it is^done in heaven ; " know- 
ing it is the highest privilege of the angels of God, " of 
those that excel in strength, to fulfil his commandments, and 
hearken to4;he voice of his word." 

13. All the commandments of God he accordingly keeps^ 
and that with all his might. For his obedience is in proper* 
tion to his love, the source from whenqe it flows. And there- 
fore, loving Grod with all his hisart, he serves him with all 
hiswength. He continually presents his soul and hpdj, a 



909 MAAAcr^it OP A mwmwoiuisf. 

liYiog attsrifice, holj^ aoccftoble to C^ % eotirdjr wd ivitkii 
aat reMTvis, deyoiiiig bimself, all be has, wd idl I10 isy <• 
lui gtor J. All tbe tatanU he has neceiYed, he conatantty 
eqifh^y accprduftg t0 his Master^ MriU ; ererj ponvai and 
faculty of his soul, ^9xj member of his body. Ows^ lir 
yieidti them untq sin fmd the devil, as wsUtum^f of nn- 
rigUeousvesf ; but 110W9 6e«^ o/fve /ro;i» th^ d^ad^ ke 
jfwkb them all> 09 instrHm^f^ of Hglu^usmss aoito &«A 

J4. By GOBsequenc^, M4^at9peYer he doth, it is all to iht 
gto'y ftf iSod* la all his employmeats of eveiy kind, lis 
not only aiim at tbi^b (whiqh is implied in haTing a siii^ 
ej€),) but actually oUams it. His business and refteshmentsi 
as^dlas his^ ivrayecs) ^Uservetothis great end* Wla^hv 
be sit in his house^ ix walk by the vay, whether iie lis 
d(9wn^ or rise up, he is^ promotiiig in all he speaks or dsissi 
|he one business of his life : Whether he put on his appan^ 
9f labour, or eat and drink, or diyeft himself firom t<^ irasl^ 
ing labour, it all tends to advance the gh>ry of Ogd» bgr 
pe^oe and gQod-will among m^. liis one invariably nde 
|s this, ^^ Whateoever ye do in wwl or deed, do it aU in tbp 
name of the X4ord Jesus, giving thanks to God and Jthe-Ea- 
tti^lyrhim*" 

lb. Npr dp the customs of the world at all hindec hia 
^^jfumiuiig the rape that is set before him." £le knows tbst 
vice does not lose its nature, though it becomes ever sp 
^hicmable; and remembers that ^^ every man is to give sa 
aocQunt G|f hims^ to God." He cannot therefore ^^ even bA^ 
\&W a m^ltitude to do evil." He cannot ^^ bx^Q sumptuously 
^very day," or ^^ make provision for t^e flesh to fu^l ^ 
l^sts thereof." Hecanno^ f^lay up treas],ires upon earthy" iia 
more than he can take fire into his bosom. He cannot ^^ adont 
himsielf " (on any pret^ce,) ^^ with gold or costly appaidL" 
He cannot join in or countenance any diversion, which hiss 
the least tendoacy to vice of any kind. He caimot speak evil 
6f his neighbour, no more than he can lie, either fqr Go^ 
or man. He cannot utter an unkind >irord of any one ; for 
love keeps the door of his lips. He cannot speak ^^ idl^ 
w(»dss no corrupt' ccpmimuQatiiHt ever oomea outof l^is 



• 

moatb," as is aU that ^ whidi is «0l good to tba us^oledif 
fil^iig/' nor ^^ fit to minister grace to Uie hmreva.'^ 3nt 
^< whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things ar« lovely^ 
whatsoever things are (justly) of good report^" he thinks, 
itfKl speaks, and acts, ^^ adorning the gospel of our Lewd 
JcsHs CSfariat in all things." 

1& liastly, As he has time, he ^^ does go^ nnto sll 
aseft;'^ unto neighbours and strangeis, friends and enemies. 
And Ihat, in every possible kind ; not only to their bodies, 
by ^^ feeding Ute hungry, clothing the naked, visiting those 
thttt are sick or in piiron ;" but much more does he labour 
to do good to their soul^, as of the ability which God 
giiv^ : to awaken those that sleep in death : to bring thoso 
wihaare awakened to the atoning blood, that, ^^ being juMm 
t^SM.hy fkilh," they may have ^' peace with God," audio 
pMsroke those who have peace with Gnod, to abcnind mom 
in love and in good woiks. And he is witting to '' spend 
and be spent herein," even ^f to be ofiered up on the sacsi^ 
ice nnd service of their faith," so they may ^' ail come unto 
the measnve of the stature of the fulness of Christ." 
- 17. These are the principles and practices of our sect; 
Aese are tike marks of a true Methodist. By these alone do 
ijnoee who. aie,^ in derision, so called, desire to be distia^ 
gnished from other men. if any man say, ^^ Why, these 
aie only the tommon, fundamental princifto of Christian* 
iiy t" TAocf ' hasi said : So I mean : this is the very tmth i 
I know ttey are no other ; and I would to Qed both' thoa 
^nd aH men liaew^ that I, and all who follow my judgmcoit^ 
do vehemently f'efuse to be distinguished from other men, 
by any but the common principles of Christianity. The 
pli^, old Christianity that I teach, renouncing and detest- 
ing all other marks of distinction. And whosoever is what 
I preach, (let him be called what he will ; for names change 
not the nature of things,) he is a Christian, not in name 
only, but in heart and in life* He is inwardly and out* 
wardly conformed to the will of God, as revealed in the 
ivritten word. He thinks, speaks, and lives according to 
the method laid down in the revelation of Jesus Christ. His 



400 CHA11ACT1(R OF A METHODIST. 

soiil is renewed after the image of God, in righteousness, and 
in all true holiness. And, having the mind that was in 
Christ, he so walks as Christ also walked. 
' 18. By these marks ^ by these fruits of a living faith, do 
we labour to distinguish ourselves from the unbelieving 
world, from all those whose minds or lives are not accord- 
ing to the gospel of Christ. But from real Christians, ot 
whatsoever denomination thej be, we earnestly desire not to 
be distinguished at all : not from any, who sincerely follow 
after what they know they have not yet attained. No: 
** Whosoever doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, 
the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." And I be« 
seech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that we be in 
no wise divided among ourselves. ^^ Is thy heart right, as 
my heart is with thine ?'* I ask no farther question. If it be, 
give me thy hand. For opinions, or terms, let us not de- 
stroy the work of God. Dost thou love and serve God J 
It is enough. I give thee the right-hand of fellowship. 
^^ If there be any consolation in CJirist, if any comfort of 
love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mel> 
cies :" let us *' strive together for the faith of the gospel ; wrik« 
ing worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called ; with 
all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearii^ 
one another in love, endeavouring to keep the imity of the 
Spirit in the bond of peace :" Remembering, ^^ there is one 
body, and one spirit, even as we are called with one hope 
of our calling : one Lord, one feith, one baptism ; one 
God and Father of all, who is above all, andlhrough all, 
Mid in you all 1'' 



wmmmi^eaimeilttsammm 



A SHORT 

HISl'ORY 

OF 

. < 

M E T H O B I S M. 






1. IT is not easy to reckon up the various accounts which 
Iiave been giren of the people called Methodists : very 
many of them as fiir remote from truth, as that given by 
the good gentleman in Ireland^ ^^ Methodists ! Aye, they 
are the people^ who place all religion in wearing long 
beards /*• 

2. Abundance of the mistakes, which are current, con- 
ceming them, have undoubtedly sprung from this : men 
lump tog^er under this general name, many who have no 
manner of connexioji with each other : and then whatever 
any of these speaks or does, isi.bf course, imputed to 
aB. 

3. The following short account may prevent persons of a 
calm and candid disposition from doing this^ although men 
of a warm or prejudiced spirit will do jiist as they did be* 
fore. But let it be observed, this is not designed for a 
Defisnce of the Methodists, so called, or any part of them«^ 
It b a bare relatioi^ of a series of naked fkds, wbi^ alon< 
may remove abundance of misuhderstaidings. 

VOL. VI. Dd / 



403 HISTORY OF METHODUM. 

In November, 1729, four young gentlemen of Oxford, 
Mr. John Wesley, Fellow of Lincoln-College; Mr. Cbarltt 
Wesley, Student of Christ-Church ; Mr. Morgan, Com- 
moner of Christ-Church; and Mr. Kirkham, of Merton- 
College, Ijegan to spend some evenings in a week together, 
in reading chiefly the Greek Testament. The next year, 
two or three of Mr. John Wesley's pupils desired the libertjr 
of meeting with them ; and afterwards one of Mr. Charles 
Wesley^s pupils. It was in 1732 that Mr. Ingham, of 
Queen's-CoUege ; and Mr. Broughtoo, of Exeter, were 
added to their number. To these, in April, was joined, 
Mr. Clayton, of Brazen-Nose, with two or three of Us 
pupils. About the same time Mr. James Henrey was per- 
mitted to meet with them; and, in 1735, Mr. White- 
field. 

5. The exact regularity of their lives, as well as studies, 
occasioned a young gentleman, of Christ-Church, to say, 
'^ Here is a new set of Methodists sprung up ;" alluding to 
some ancient physicians, who were so called. The name 
was new and quaint : so it took immediately ; and the Me« 
(hodists were. known all over the University. 

6: They were all zealous members of the Church of Eng- 
land ; not only tenacious of ;all her doctrines, so &r as they 
knew them, but of all her discipline, to the minutest cir- 
cumstance. They were likewise zealous observers of all the 
University Statutes, and that for conscience' sake. But thejr 
observed neither these nor any thing else, any further than 
ihey conceived vit was bound upcm them by that one book, 
the Bible ; it being their one desire and design to be down- 
right Bible Christians : taking the Bible, as interpreted by 
the. primitive church and our own, for their whole and sole 
rule. .*'. 

7. The one charge then advanced against them was. 
That they were " righteous overmuch ;" that they were 
aibundantly too scrupulous and too strict, canning things 
to great extremes. In particular^ that they laid too much 
stress upon the rubi|ps and canons of the Church ; that they 
insisted too much on observing ^he statutes of the Univfir- 



BISTORT OF METHODISM. ' 403 

sity; and that tbeytook the IScriptures in too strict and 
literal a sense ; so that, if they were right, few indeed would 
•be saved. ' 

- !B. tn October, 1735, Messrs. John and Charles Wesley, 
and Mr. Ii^ham, left England, with a design to go and 
preach to the Indians in Georgia. Bnt the rest of the gen- 
tlemen continued to meet, till one and another was ordained 
and left the University. By which means, in about two 
years time, scarcely any of them were left. 

9. In February, , 1738, Mr. Whitefidd went over !» 
Georgia, with a design to assist Mr. John Wesley ; but 
^Mr. Wesley just then returned to England. Soon after he 
had a meeting with Messrs. Ingham, Stonehouse, Hall, 
JHutchings, Kinchin, and a few other clergymen, who all 
appeared to be of one heart, as well as of one judgment, re- 
solvled to be Bible-Christians at all events; and, wherever 
they were, to preach with ail their might, plain, old, Bible- 
Christianity. 

10.' They were hitherto perfectly regular in all things, 
and zealously attached to the Church of England. Mean- 
time they began to be convinced, that, "by grace; we are 
saved, through faith ;" that justification by faith is the 
dodtriiie of the Church, as well as of the Bible. As soon as 
they believed, they spake ; salvation by faith being now 
their standing topic. Indeed, this implied three things : 
1. That men are all, by nature, dead in sin, and, conse- 
^quently, children of wrath : S. That they are justified by 
^ith alone : 9. That £iith produces inward and outwaid. 
holiness. • And these points they insisted on, day and night. 
In a' short time, they became popular preachers. The con- 
gregations were large, wherever they preached. The former 
name was th^n revived. And all these gentifemen, with their 
followers, were entitled Methodists. " 

11. In March, 1741, Mr. Whitefield being ietiimed to 
•England, entiirely sepal^ated from Mr^ Wesley and bif friends, 
^^ Because he (Mr. Wesley) did not hold the dc<jr«*i.'' Here 
was the first breach, whi^h wton nven (ii^uaded Mr. White* 

Dd 2 



404 HStORT OF METBODIMfl. 

iBeld to make, merely /or a difference of opinioa. Tho06 in- 
deed who belieVed general redemption^ .had no deaure at aB 
to separate. Bat those who held particular redemptioo, 
vooid iiot hear of anj aeicoinmodationy. b^n^ 4elennineid to 
have no fellowship with men that/^^ were in such da^^etom 
errors. "^ So there were now two sorts ci Methodiste^iVD 
called ; those folr particular, and those for general reden^ 
tion. , ' . 

12. Not many years passed, before William. CildH«A 
and Jam^ Relly septaited &oai Iff. Whitefidd^ Tbese 
were propetfy Antinomians, absolute, ayowed.enemk»4o 
the Law <^:God, which they never, pileaohed of pwafessB fl 
to preach, bm teriped all L^gaKata who did. Witbtham^ 
preaching the Law was. an abomiaation. Thi^ h^ nothiii; 
to do with the Law. Thqr w<^d preach Chrirt, aa thqr 
called it^ butwithoat one wi^rd ^ibSex of holinesa of fpMiil 
wcNrks: yet these /^ete atili denominated Methodiata^ a^ 
thoi^h differing from Mr. Whitefield, both jin ja^i^mt 
and practice, abundantly more than Mr. Whit^eU -did 

6om Mr. Wesley* 

13. In the mean time, Mr. Venn and Mr. Bomaiae begaa 
to be spQkenof : and not Icmg after, Mr. Madan and Mr. 
Berridge^ with a few other clergymen, who, althou^ ibey 
had no connexion, wkh eac^ other, yet preaching aalvatioa 
by &ith, and endeavouring to live.accoidjagly, and tq be 
Bible-^Christians, were sooi»vicluded in the general fmv^^ pf 
Methodiste. And 90 iodi^ w^re all others who pieacbed 
salvation by faith, and aj^eare^ more ^erions: thim jtheir 
neighbours. Some of these were quite r^alar in their flUaiir 
ner of preachaig i some were %iUte irregular, (thoajgh ndjt 
by choice ; but necessity was laid npoa them ; the^: i^mai 
preach irr^ula%, .or not. pdl :). and others were .between 
both ; regular in mosty though not in aU particulam^^ 

14. In 1762, George Bdl, and a' few other ^isons^ Jbe* 
gan to speak great words. In the latter end of the yeai^ 
they foratald, that the wcwkl woukl be at an end ottthe SBth 
of FehriUMy ; MTr Wesley, with whom they were flien ooa* 



min^oAr OF HBTvooisiu 405 

Q^QtodyivriiSigt^od tltiem Mh^^m puUic andpritate. This 
tt^:woidd not^ndiirej so, in JwAaigr and Febniaiy, 1763, 
they aepamted firopi him. Soon after^ JMr. MaxfieU, one 
of Mr^ Wesley's preachinrs, aad several of the pe<qple left 
Mn Wesley: bat, still Mr. Bfaxfidd^ and his adherentSy 
went under the general name of Methodists. 

15. At present, those who remain with Mr. Wesley, are 
nostly Church of England men. They loye her Articles, 
lier Homilies, her Liturgy, her Discipline, and unwillingly 
▼ary from it in any linstance. Meantime, all who preach 
«jnong them declare, '^ We are all, by nature, children of 
wrath ^ but, ^ by grace we are saved, through faith ;^' 
saved both from the guilt and from the power of sin. Thqr 
tadeavour to lire according to what they preach, to be 
l^aia, Bible-Christians. And they meet together at conye* 
Qjteiit times, to encourage one another therein. They ten« 
derly love many that are Calvinists^ thoifgh they do not 
leve their opinions i yea., they love the Antinomians them- 
selves ^ but it is with a love of compassion only, for they 
liate their doctrines with a perfect hati^ ; they abhor 
&em as they do hell-fire ; bdng convinced nothing can so 
effectually destroy all faith, all holiness, and all good 
wcnrks. 

16. With r^ard to these, Mr.* Relly and his adherents^ 
ft would not be strange, if they should grow into r«iputa» 
tion. For they will never sh<9ck the world, either by the 
harshness of their doctrine, or the singularity of their be- 
haidour. But let those who determine both to preach and 
to live the gospel, expect that men will ^^ say all manner «f 
evil of them. The servant is not above his Master, nor the 
disciple above his Lord. If then they have caUed the Mas- 
t^ of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his 
household !'* It is their duty indeed, <^ as much as liedi in 
them, to live peaceably with all men.'* But when they la- 
bour after peace, the world will <^ make theiliselves ready 
for battle." It is their constant endeavour, to ^^ p}ease all' 
mea^ for their good, to edification." But yet they know^ 



406 



HUTORT QV MCTHOnmii 



it cannot be done. Tfaejr remember the ^fd <tf the Aposfle^ 
^^ If I yet please men, lam not the servant of Christ.*^ 
They go pn therefore^ '^ through honour and dishonour, 
through evil report and good report:*' desiring only, Aat 
their Master may say in that day, ^^ Senrants of Grod, well 
done.*' 



, ' . i 



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• ' ■ • . 



: I 



ADVICE 






TO 



THE PEOPLE 



CALLED- 



ME T'MOJD I S T §. 



i^:>: 



IT may be needful to specify whom I mean by this am^w 
guous term; since it would be lost labour to speajk to ' 
Methodists, so called, without first describing those to whom ' 
I speak. '"'"• 

By Methodists I mean, a people who profess to pursue ' 
(in whatsoever measure they have attained) holiness of'hftart 
and life, inward and outward conformity iii all things to the- 
revealed will of Ood ; who place religion in an uniform* re- 
semblance of the great object of it ; in a steady imitation of * 
him they worship, in all bis imitable perfections ; more par«- [ 
ticularly, in justice, mercy, and kuth, or universal love ^ 
filling the heart, and governing the life. 

You, to whom I now speak, believe this love of human- 
kind cannot spring but from the love of God. You think V 
there can be no instance of one, whose tender afiection em-^^ 
braces every child of man, (though not endeared to him,!, 
dther by ties of blood, or by any natural or civil relation), 
unless that affection flow from a grateful, filial love, to the • 
common Father of all ;, to God^ considered not only as hfa^ ; 
father, but as the fiither of the spirits of all flesh ; yea, as 



406 ADVICE TO MBTHOJDISTS. 

the general parent and firiend of all the fiunilies^ both rf 
heaven and earth. 

This filial love you suppose to flow only bom fiuth, 
which you describe as a supernatural evidence (or con- 
viction) of things not seen : so that to him who has this 
principle. 

The things unknown to feeble sense, 

Unseen by Reason's glimmering ray ; 
, With strong conunanding evidence, 

Their heav*nly origin display. 
Faith lends its realizing light, 

The clouds disperse, the shadows fly ; 
Th' Invisible appears in sight. 

And God is seen by mortal eye. 

You suppose this faith to imply an evidence that God is 
merciful to me a ^|ner ; thail he is reconciled to me by the 
death of his Son, and now accepts me, for his sake. You, 
accordingly describe thQ.fiuth of a real.Ghristian, as, ^^A 
iuxe trust and confidence (over and above his assent tQ the 
sacred writings) which he hath in Gkxl, that his 9ii|s are fatr 
given ; and that he is, through the merits of Christ, lecoaT 
died to the favour of God." 

You believe fiurther, that both this ^fiuA and love are 
wrought in us by tibe Spirit of God ; nay, that there caimoC 
be in any man, one good temper or desire!,^ or so mucb; as 
09e good thought, unless it be produced by the Almighty 
power of God, by the inspiraticn or influence of the Hdjr 
Ghost. 

If you walk by this rule, continually endeovpuring io 
know, and love, and resemble, and obey the great God and 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christy as the God of love, of 
pardoning mercy : if, from this principle of loving, obe? 
dient faith, you carefully abstain from all evil, and labour, 
as you have opportuiiity, to do good to all men, iKends, or 
enemies : if, lastly, you unite together, to encourage aud 
help each other, in thus working out your salvation, and 



ADVICE TO HBTHOmSTSt 409 

for that end watch over one. another in lovCi jou aie they 
-whom I mean by Methodists. 

The first general advice which one, who loves yonr sonlii, 
would earnestly recommend to every one of you, is, coujsidet 
with deep and frequent attention, the peculiar circumstances 
wherein you stand*. 

One of these is, that you are a new p^ple. Youi' jname 
is new, at least, as used iii a religious sense, not heard o^. 
till a few y^rs ago, either in our own, or any pther natipn* 
Your principles are new, in this respect, that, there, is no 
other set of people among us, and, possibly not in the chris- 
tian world, who hold them all, in the same degree and con« 
nexion; who so strenuously and continually insist on the 
absolute necessity of universal holin^s both in heart, and 
liJGb-; of a peaceful, joyous iovje of God ; of a supernatural 
evidence of things not seen ; of an inward witness that we 
Bse the children of God, and of the inspiration of the Holy, 
Cfhosft, in order to any good thought, or word, or work*, 
And perhaps there is no other scjt of p^p)^ at least not:visi<- 
Uy united together, who lay so much, and yet no more stress 
than you dp,, on rectitude of opinions^ on outwi^rd modes of 
worship, and; the use of those ordinances, which youac* 
knowledge to be of God. So niuch stress you lay ^yea on 
right opinions, as to profess, ths^ ypu earnestly desire |lo 
have a right judgpient in all thiqgs, and are glad to Hpe. 
every means. whic]|^. you know or believe may be coiidupive 
thereto ; and, yet iipt sp much as to condemn any jpam npon» 
earthy merely for thinking otherwise than. you do; , much 
less to imagine, that God condemns him for this, if be be; 
upright wd sincere of heart. On those outward modes of 
worship, "ff herein you have been, bred up,, you Iay;8p^ 
much stres^^ as highly to approve ibem; but not somuiji. 
as to lessen ypur love to those who conscientiously dissent 
from you herein. Vou likewise lay so much stresti on the; 
use of those ordinaiices, which yo^ believe to be of Gpd^ 
as to confess, there is no salvation for you,, if. you wilfully 
neglect ihem. And yet you do not j^dge them that are other* 
wise minded ; you deteraiine nothing concerning those, who, ; 



410' AbVlCB TO HETHOBin 

not believing those ordinances to be of Goiy di^jont of prin* 
ciple, abstain from them. ^ '. 

Your tstrictness of life, taking the ^rUoIe of it together, 
may likewise be acconntecl new. I mean, yonr making it a 
rule, to abstain from fashionable diversions, from reading 
plays, romances, or books of humour ; from singing inno- 
cent songs, ^or talking in a merry, gay, diverting manner ; 
your plainness of dress ; your manner of dealing in trade ; 
your exactness in observing the Lord's day; your scrupu- 
losity as to things that have not paid custom; your total 
abstinence from spiritual liquors, unlfiss in cases of extreme 
liecetoity ; yoar rule, '< not to mention tlie fault ofan absent 
person, in particular, of Ministers, or of those in authority j*^ 
may justly be termed new. Seeing although some are scru- 
pulous in some of these things, and others arp strict with 
regard to other particulars ; yet we do not fitid's^i^y body of 
peoj^le, who insist cm all these rules together. ' With respect 
therefore both to your name, principles, .ahd t)ractice, you 
may be considered as a new people. 

Another ^culiar dbrcumstance of your present situation, 
is. That yon are riewly united tdgether ; th^t* you are just 
gathered, 'or,' as it seems,' 'gathering rather out of all other 
sodefies' or c6i)gregations;''nay, and that you have been 
hitbertdJ and do still subsist without power, (for you are a 
low, in^i^ficfint pieople) without' riches (for .you are poor, 
almost to a man, having no more than the plain necessaries 
of life) and .without any extraordinary gifts of nature, or 
the advantages of education; most even of yoiur teachers^ 
being quite unlearned, and, in other things, ignorant men. 

There is yet another circumstance, which is quite peculiar 
to'yonirselVes : whereas every other religious set of people, 
as soon' as they were joined to each other, separated them- 
selves froih their fornier societies or congregations : you, on 
the contrary, do not; nay, you absolutiely di$avow ell desire 
of separating from them. You opei^jr and cotitihuiEtlly 
declare you have liot, nor ever had, 'suicb si design. And 
whereas the congregations to whidli thtes^ Separatists be- 
longed, have g^lterally spared iio^ins'^ prevent that 



kBVICE to MSTHOBIS'n. 411 

sepaitaion : those to which you belong, spare no pains (not 
to prevent, but) to occasion this separation, to drive jou 
from them, to force you on that division, to which you 
declare you have the strongest aversion. ' ' ' 

• Consider these peculiar circumstances wherein you stand, 
and you will see the propriety of a second advice I would 
recommend to you, Do not imagine you can avoid giving 
offence : your very name renders this impossible. Perhaps 
not one in a hundred of those who use the term Methodist^ 
have any idea of what it means. To ninety-nine of theai' 
it is still heathen Greek. Only they think it means some- 
thing very bad, either a papist, a heretic, an uhdermiber 
of th^ Church, or some unheard-of monster: and in all 
probability, the farther it goes, it must gather up more ankl 
more evil. It is vain therefore for any that is called a Met&of*^ 
dist, ever to think of not giving offence. ' • 

^' Arid as much offence as you give by^jTour name, you'Wffl 
give still more by your principles. You will give offence 
to the bigots for opinions, modes of worship and ordinances, 
by laying no lifiore stress upon them : to the bigots against 
them, by layii^ so much : to men of form,' by insisting so 
frequently and strongly on the inward power of religion: to 
moral men (so called) by declaring the absolute necessity of 
faith, in order to acceptance with God : to men 'of reason 
you will give offence, by talking of inspiration and rieceiving 
the Holy Ghost : to drunkards, sabbath-breakers, common 
swearers, and other open sinnehrs, by refraining from theit 
company, as well as by that disapprobatibn of their beha- 
viour, which you will often be obliged to express. And 
indeed your life must give them continual offence : your 
sobriety is grievously offensive to a drunkard ; your serious 
conversation is equally intolerable to a gay impertinent; 
and, in general, that ^^ you are grown so precise and singn« 
lar, so monsthmsly strict, boyond all sense and reason, that 
you scruple so many harmless things, and fancy you are 
obliged to do so matiy others which you need not," cannot 
but be an otknce to abundance of people, your friends and 
relatiinis in particular. Either therefore you must consent 



412 ADVIOE T0 MBTHP9I9TS* 

to give up your priiusiplesi or your fpnd hope of piearing 
men. 

What makes even your principles more offensiTe, is, this 
uniting of yourselves together : because this union renders 
you more conspicuous, placing you more in the eye of men ; 
more su^icious, I mean, liable tp be suspected of carrying 
<m some sinister design, (especially by those "who do not, or 
will not^ know your invidable attachment to his present 
Majesty King Geoige :) more dreadful, to those of a fearful 
ttanper, who imagine ybu have any such design ; and more 
odious to. men K>f zeal, if th^ir :peal be any oUier than fisr- 
vent loyje to. God and man. 

Th^ offoice wil^sink the deeper, because you are gathered 
out of so many other congregations i for the warm, men in 
emdi will not easily )be convinced, that you do nqtdespke 
either them or their teachers ; iiay, will probably imagine, 
UfBt you utterly condepm them, as though they could not 
b^. saved. And this occasion of offence is now at the height, 
b^use you are just gathered, or gatheris^ rather, so that 
they know not where it will end ; but the fear of losing (so 
they account it) more of their members, gives an edge to 
their zeal, and keeps all their anger and resentment in its 
strength. 

Add to this, that you do not leave them quite, you stiQ 
rank yourself an^ng their members, which to those who 
know not that you dp it for conscience' sake, is also a provok- 
ing circumstance* ^^ If you would but get out of their 
sight!" 3utypu are ^continual thorn in their side, as 
Ipng as you remain with them. 

And (which cannot but anger them the mcH^e) ypu have 
neither power, nor riches, nor learning : yet^ with all their 
ppwer, and money, an4 -wisdom, they can giSin, no ground 
against you. - 

. ypu cannot but expe^, that the offisnce copitinually arii« 
iog from such a variety of j^vocatipns, will gradually 
ripen into hatred, malice, and aU other unkind tempers. 
And as they who are thus affected, will not fidl to represent 
you to others in the same light a^ you appear to them, some* 



AOTicB TO Msraaum. 413 



times as midiBa aad fiMib^ w—ilinwii as nicked moi) 
fidkmsBoCfit to live upon theeaith; the oooseqaenee, ha:* 
aaidy speakiagy mart k, that, togdber with jow 
joa irillkacy first. The hnre of toot firieads, idatioas^ aad 
acqaaintanoesy even those vho oace loved yoa:the nosClsa* 
deily : then yoar bosiness ; finr nany will employ yoii ao 
logger, nor '^ bay of sadi a one as yoa aieV* and, iadaa 
time, (unless He, who goTems the wodd, inteipose,) yotar 
health, libeity, and life. 

What further adnoe can.be given to a peison in sach A 
sitaation ? I cannot but advise you, thirdly, Consider, deopo 
ly vrith yoonelf, Is the God whom I serve able to deliver 
me? I am not able to ddiver mysdf out of these diffioultieB*; 
much less am I able to bear them. I know not how to giv« 
ap my reputation, my friends, my substance^ my Ubofty^ 
my life. Can God giye me to rejoice in doing this i And 
may I depend upon him, that he will i Are the hairs of my 
head aH numbeied ? And does he never feil them that trmt 
in him ? Weigh this thoroughly ; .and, if you cpm, trait 
God with your all; then go oh, in the poiiyer of hil 
might. 

Go on : «I would earnestly advise you, fourthly, Keepia 
the very path whereiiQ you now tread. Be true to your iNrin^ 
ciples. Never rest again in the dead formality of religiont 
Pursue, wi£h your might, inward and outward holineift; 
a steady imitation of him you worship ; a still increasiag 
resemblance of lus imitable perfections, his justice, mercy, 
and truth. 

Let this be your manly, noble, generous leligion, equaU^ 
remote: from ihe meanlieaB of superstition, (which places la^ 
ligion in doing what God hath not. enjoined, or abstaining 
from what be hadinoA fcnrbidden) and from the unkindness 
of bigotry,( whi<^ confiaes our afflbotion to our own paitjr^ 
sect, or opinion. Above all, . stand fast in. obedient fidth^ 
ledth in the God of pftrdoningmen|ri in (Jie God and Father 
of our Lord Jetus Christy who hath loved you, and given 
himself for you. Ascribe to him all the good you find in 



414 ABTICB TO IIETHOBISTS. 

yourself; all your- peaoe^ and joy, and love; all your 

• power to do and suflfer Us will, throogh the Spirit of the 
Urksg God. Yet, in the inean time, carefully avoid enthiir 

^littm : impute not the dreams of men to the aU-wise God; 

• and expect neither light nor power from him, but in the se- 
' rious use of all the means he hath ordained. 

Be true also to your principles, touching opinions, and 
the ektemals of religion. Use every ordinance which yon 
believe is of God ; but beware of narrowness of spirit to<- 
waids those who use them not. Conform yourself to those 
modes of worship which you approve ; yet love,- as bre- 
thren, those who cannot conform. L^y so much stress on 
opinions, that all your own, if it be possible, may agree 
with truth and reason ; but have a care of anger, dislike, or 
contempt toward those whose opinions differ from your's. 
You are daily accused of this : (and, indeed, what is it, 
whereof you are not accused ?) But beware of giving any- 
ground for such an accusation. Condemn no man for not 
flunking as you think. Let every one enjoy the full and 
free liberty of thinking for himself. Let every man use his 
own judgment, since every man must give an account of 
himself to God. Abhor every approach, in any kind or 
degree, to the spirit of persecution. If you cannot reascm 
or persuade a man into the truth, never attempt to force him 
into it. If love will not compel him to come, leave him to 
God, the Judge of all. 

. Yet expect not, that others will deal thus with you : no^ 
some will endeavour to frighten you out of your principles ; 
some to shame you into a more popular religion, to laugh 
and rally you out of your singularity: but from none of 
these will you be in so great danger, as from those who as- 
sault you with quite diwrent weapons, with softness, good 
nature, and earnest prdifessions of (perhaps real) goodrwillw 
Here you are equally ^ncerned, to avoid the. > very ap- 
pearance of anger, contfaapt^ or unkindness, and to . hcAA 
fast the whole truth of God, both in principle and in 
practice. 



4DVI0B TO uvtnwwn. 415 

This indeed will be interpieted as unkindness. Your 
former acquaintance i¥ill look upon this, that you will not 
sip. or trifle with them, as a plala proof of your coldness to* 
ward them; and this burden you must be content to bear^ . 
but labour to avoid all real unkindness, all disobliging 
words, or harshness of speech ; all shjmess or strangeness of 
behaviour; speak to them with all the tenderness and love^ 
and behave with all the sweetness and courtesy you can ; 
taking care not to give any needless offence to neighbour or 
stranger, friend or enemy. 

Perhaps, on this very account, I might advise you^ 
fifthly. Not to talk much of what you suffer; " of the per- 
secution you endured at s^ch a time, and the wickedness of 
your persecutors." Nothing more tends to exasperate them 
than this : and therefore, (although there is a time when 
these things must be mentioned, yet) it might be a general ^ 
rule, to do it as seldom as you can with a safe conscience : 
for, besides its tendency to inflame them, it has the appear- 
ance of evil, of ostentation, of magnifying yourselves. It 
also tends to puff you up with pride, and to make you think 
yourselves some great ones, as it certainly does to exercise 
or increase in your heart ilUwill, and all unkind tempers* 
It is, a^best, loss of time; for, instead of the wickedness of 
men, you might be talking of the goodness of Grod : nay, 
it is, in truth an open, wilful^in ;. it is tale-bearing, back« 
biting, evil-speaking, (a sin you can never be sufficiently 
watchful against, seeing it steals upon you in a thousand 
shapes.) Would it not be far more profitable for your souls,^ 
instead of speaking against them, to pray for them ? To con- 
firm your love towards those unhappy men, whom you be- 
lieve to be fighting against God, by crying mightily to him 
in their behalf that he may open their eyes and change their 
hearts. 

I have now only to commend you to the care of Him who 
hath all power in heaven and in earth : beseeching him, that 
in every circumstance of life, you may stand, 

<< Firm as the beaten anvil to the fliroke :" 



416 



AViKM TO IttTaOMtrf • 



desiring nothing on earth ; acooiuiaii^ all things bat dung 
and drosr, that yob may win Christ; and ahraya tatember- 
ing) <Ht is Ate part of a glhNl dhan^faw^ to be flaj^ 
and to bonquer!*' 

October 10/ ins. 



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f » 



ENB OF VOL. SIXTH. 



r»^»^»^^0^*^^0k***^^ 



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cowvEREircB-orFiea^ 14, cmr-moAOf 

TaOKAl COROBUX, AOBITT, 



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